NI Gambling-Harm Statistics Prompts New Charity Initiative
A new charity initiative has been launched in Northern Ireland after the country’s latest data for gambling-related harm was released.
Northern Ireland’s latest gambling-related data has been released. © Michał Parzuchowski, Unsplash
Key Facts:
- Chapter One has been developed by Gambling with Lives
- The charity was set up to combat harm back in 2018
- Gambling-related harm has been revealed to be higher in Northern Ireland than any other part of the UK
- But most adults were considered non-problem gamblers
Fresh statistics for Northern Ireland show gambling-related harm is higher than in any other part of the UK.
Data from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency and the Department for Communities was released recently.
It showed that three-fifths of adults (57%) in Northern Ireland said they had gambled in the last 12 months.
Results from the research revealed that one in 20 adults (5%) in Northern Ireland were considered to be a ‘moderate risk gambler’.
The study also found that 3% of respondents were considered to be ‘problem gamblers’.
Chapter One Launched
Following the release of the latest data for gambling-related harm in Northern Ireland, the charity Gambling With Lives has created a new initiative.
Chapter One has launched a new ten-point plan for gambling harm prevention.
The plan includes proposals to introduce mandatory gambling education, as well as training for medical professionals and improved access to self-help tools.
Training officer at Chapter One, Declan Cregan, was previously addicted to gambling, and he feels Northern Ireland has been “left behind when it comes to helping people affected by gambling harm”.
Cregan added: “Most people are left without adequate advice, support or treatment.”
“As someone with lived experience of gambling harm, I know how isolating and overwhelming it can feel. We’re here to show people they’re not alone, and that there is hope and help available. No one should be left behind.”
“That’s why we’re launching Chapter One here – to make sure people know the truth about gambling harms, and to ensure that support, guidance and education are available to everyone who needs it, building on the preventative work we’ve been doing here for a number of years.”
Thousands Negatively Affected By Gambling
The launch of Chapter One by the Gambling With Lives charity in Northern Ireland has been welcomed by Philip McGuigan MLA.
McGuigan, who is the chair of the All Party Group on Reducing Harm Related to Gambling, attended the launch of the new initiative and feels it will be beneficial.
He said: “Thousands of people in the north of Ireland are negatively impacted by gambling, either by their own addiction or that of someone close to them.
“However, only a fraction of those experiencing harm are accessing support services. Chapter One is informed and led by people with lived experience of gambling harms and will provide people here with the information and support they deserve.”
