Gambling a bigger problem than expected in Ireland

Ireland's problem gamblers are spending at least €1000 euro a month on bets, according to a new ESRI report.

The report also shows Ireland's gambling problem is far worse than previously thought, with 130,000 people considered problem gamblers, a figure 10 times higher than previous estimates.

A further 7% of the population show 'moderate' evidence of a gambling problem, while a further 590,000 people reporting some problematic gambling experiences or behaviours.