Northern Ireland lawmakers call for immediate action on gambling harm
Northern Ireland is facing a growing gambling problem, as revealed by the 2024 Gambling Prevalence Survey. Three percent of gamblers are suffering from serious gambling-related harm, while only one percent are seeking assistance. These numbers reflect actual people, families, and communities impacted by this problem.
Lawmakers, such as Philip McGuigan of Sinn Féin, are emphasising the urgency of the gambling problem. They stress that merely recognising the issue is insufficient; significant reforms, bold measures, and appropriate resources are required.
The alarming numbers behind gambling harm
According to the 2024 Gambling Prevalence Survey, with only 1 percent of gamblers seeking help, the system is clearly failing, while 3 percent are experiencing severe gambling-related harm. Fear, shame, and a lack of visible support systems likely contribute to this issue. Three percent may seem small, but in a country of nearly 2 million people, it represents tens of thousands struggling with addiction. This is not just a bad habit; it’s a public health crisis.
From the 10 percent at low to moderate risk to the 3 percent severely harmed, the impact of gambling is extensive. The fact that people are gambling beyond their means is a serious concern that cannot be ignored.
Why people aren’t seeking help?
The stigma associated with gambling addiction is still very strong. Many people continue to suffer in silence since admitting to having a gambling issue is frequently viewed as a sign of weakness. Although support services are available, they are not always easy to locate. A communication breakdown is evident in the large number of people who are unaware of these resources.
Long wait times and underfunded programmes are commonplace for those who seek assistance. Gambling support is often viewed as a lower priority, while addiction programmes are overburdened.
Lawmakers call to action
McGuigan is calling for immediate action from the Minister of Health. Generic addiction services are insufficient; specialised treatments focused solely on gambling are necessary. Armed with survey data, McGuigan is advocating for the swift commissioning of services tailored to gambling addiction.
McGuigan stated, “The Minister of Health must act without delay to commission dedicated gambling treatment services. With existing addiction services already under pressure, additional funding is essential. The findings of this survey point to a serious gap in the provision of addiction treatment in the north. The need is clearly there, but people aren’t getting the help they need.”
To pay for these necessary services, a proposed tax on casino operators is being considered. McGuigan is arguing that it should be expedited to prevent further harm.
He added, “This isn’t just about individuals losing money; it’s about broken families, damaged relationships, and communities struggling with the fallout of gambling harms.”
Absence of online gambling regulation
In the digital era, Northern Ireland’s continued lack of explicit laws governing online gambling is a serious oversight. Northern Ireland is stagnant and could turn into a refuge for unregulated gambling while the rest of the UK and Ireland improve their legislation.
A survey shows that 66 percent of people believe there are too many gambling ads, indicating widespread dissatisfaction. Over 70 percent support banning gambling ads before a set time on TV and radio. With such clear public opinion, lawmakers need to act.
