The number of problem gamblers seeking treatment has more than doubled since 2021, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has revealed.
Providing data in response to a parliamentary question from TD Ken O’Flynn about treatment figures between 2021 and 2025, the HSE reported that 352 people accessed public services because of problem gambling last year, compared to just 159 in 2021.
For those where gambling was one of several factors for treatment, the numbers rocketed to 748 and 269 respectively. Waiting times have improved since 2024, but remain highest in HSE Dublin and HSE South West where it would take an average of 8.6 days and 10.7 days.
‘Significant problem’
O’Flynn observed that while waiting times had improved, “the average wait in the South-West was more than 2.5 times the national figure”.
“These are people who have finally reached out and asked for help. Every extra day they wait is another day the gambling apps are still on their phone.”
Consultant psychiatrist and addiction specialist Professor Colin O’Gara also warned that the treatment numbers fail to represent the actual number of people struggling with gambling.
He commented: “If more people are attending treatment then those of us in the field would say that’s fantastic. What the figures do show is that we have a significant problem”.
“Typically, only one in 10 people who are affected by severe gambling disorder will end up in treatment.”
‘Ruinous’
According to figures released by Irish Tax and Customs earlier this year, the value of regulated online betting exceeded €1.2 billion between January and March 2026, up 47 per cent on the previous quarter from €814.8 million.
Social scientist Frank Houghton, who works at the Technological University of the Shannon, stated: “The online gambling problem is just getting worse. Young adults, and those pretending to be 18 and over, are being bombarded by gambling advertising.
“Gambling can be both ruinous and highly addictive.”
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