Problem gambling referrals doubled in Northern Ireland last year, as well as a notable rise in women seeking support.
The news comes from Extern Problem Gambling’s Barry Grant and Claire Donegan, who briefed the All Party Group on Reducing Harm Related to Gambling on Tuesday, January 27. The organization offers online and app-based support to those struggling with problem gambling, helping more than 12,000 people across the island of Ireland.
Today the APG met to hear a briefing from Claire Donegan and Barry Grant from @ExternProbGam on the organisation’s important work and what it is doing to support people experiencing gambling-related harms. pic.twitter.com/bAFoKouGjf
— Reducing Harm Related to Gambling APG (@GamHarmAPG) January 27, 2026
Grant stated that the number of referrals in Northern Ireland has roughly doubled in the last year, with preference given to Northern Ireland referrals as there are few comparable services that offer alternatives to residents. In addition, the number of women seeking help has risen.
Grant also noted that there are more land-based gambling addictions in Northern Ireland than compared to the Republic of Ireland, explaining that it’s thought this is due to the difference land-based gambling products available between the two countries.
As just one example, Fixed-Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) are available in Northern Ireland, but do not exist in the south, while Northern Ireland also has fewer alcohol and age-related restrictions on gaming machines. Extern urged the group to introduce legislation to establish an Office of Gambling Regulator to improve protection for vulnerable people.
Problem gambling in women
Donegan expanded on the situation for women, presenting a summary of Extern’s Women’s Gambling Support Network (WGSN), which includes one-to-one recovery plans, group support meetings, online services, and a 10-week module-based recovery plan. Since its introduction, 42 women have sought help from the network, a 328% increase from before its inception. She also highlighted that land-based gambling is more prevalent in older women.
When asked about how women are developing issues with problem gambling for women, Donegan explained that many use gambling as a stress response or a form of escapism from caregiving responsibilities. Some women also use casino-based products, particularly among older women, for social reasons.
Ireland’s All Party Group recently called for a gambling tax hike to raise funds to support those with issues with problem gambling and  reduce gambling-related harm.
Featured image: All Party Group on Reducing Harm Related to Gambling
The post Problem gambling referrals doubles in Northern Ireland, with rise in requests from women appeared first on ReadWrite.
Â
This articles is written by : Nermeen Nabil Khear Abdelmalak
All rights reserved to : USAGOLDMIES . www.usagoldmines.com
You can Enjoy surfing our website categories and read more content in many fields you may like .
Why USAGoldMines ?
USAGoldMines is a comprehensive website offering the latest in financial, crypto, and technical news. With specialized sections for each category, it provides readers with up-to-date market insights, investment trends, and technological advancements, making it a valuable resource for investors and enthusiasts in the fast-paced financial world.