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Problem gambling referrals doubled in Northern Ireland last year, as well as a dramatic increase in women seeking support.
The news comes from Extern Problem Gambling’s Barry Grant and Claire Donegan, who shortened 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 of the organization’s important work and what it does to support people who have experienced gambling-related harm. pic.twitter.com/bAFoKouGjf
— Gambling-related harm reduction APG (@GamHarmAPG) January 27, 2026
Grant stated that the number of referrals in Northern Ireland has almost doubled in the last year, with preference given to referrals in Northern Ireland as there are few similar services that offer alternatives to residents. In addition, the number of women seeking help has increased.
Grant also noted that there are more land-based gambling addictions in Northern Ireland than compared to the Republic of Ireland, explaining that this is thought to be due to the difference in land-based gambling products available between the two countries.
As just one example, Fixed-Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) exist in Northern Ireland, but not 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 the Gambling Regulator to improve the protection of 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 it was established. He also emphasized that land-based gambling is more prevalent among older women.
When asked about how women develop problem gambling issues for women, Donegan explained that many use gambling as a response to stress or a form of escape from caregiving responsibilities. Some women also use casino-based products, especially older women, for social reasons.
The All Party Group in Ireland recently called for an increase in gambling taxes to raise funds to support those with problem gambling issues and reduce gambling-related harm.
Featured image: All Party Groups on Gambling-Related Harm Reduction
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