Two-thirds of Irish people have gambled in the last 12 months, while the most common form of gambling is on Lottery tickets or scratch cards.
That's according to a new report published by the Department of Health this afternoon - the first of its kind in Ireland.
This report shows that more than 40% of people bet on a monthly basis or more often.
Online betting was most popular among young men, with those between the ages of 15-24 displaying the highest prevalence of problem gambling.
Min @davidstantontd: "Modernisation of gambling legislation & better regulation is a priority for Govt. This is especially important for those for whom gambling can negatively affect significant areas of their lives. This survey will help us plan our interventions accordingly.” https://t.co/gcdbODvDdU
— Department of Justice 🇮🇪 (@DeptJusticeIRL) February 27, 2019
Almost 1 in 10 15-17 year old's bought a lotto ticket or scratch card - while just over 15% of the same age bracket said they had placed a bet on a horse or dog race.
It's hoped that the data will provide a baseline to help in policy formation and future action on gambling.
Another survey covering the period 2018/19 is expected to be published within the next 12 months.
The CEO of Problem Gambling Ireland has praised the publication of the report.
Barry Grant told Today FM:
We have no strategy we have no policy around gambling at a statutory level.
Hopefully the fact that we have some data will mean that there'll be some progress in that area.
Ireland's problem #gambling prevalence rate is double that of Australia - one of only two countries in the world that loses more to gambling, on a per capita basis, than we do. We urgently need to enact the Gambling Control Bill and start tackling this issue. pic.twitter.com/W9CR9mui6o
— Extern Problem Gambling (@ExternProbGam) February 27, 2019
