Help for gambling addiction
- Introduction
- How does addiction treatment work?
- Where are gambling addiction services?
- Self-help for gambling addiction
- Do I have to pay for addiction services?
- Further information
Introduction
If you cannot control your need to gamble despite the effect it has on your own life and the lives of your family, you may have a gambling addiction. If you recognise the signs and symptoms of a gambling problem you should seek support.
There are dedicated support services across the country that can help you overcome the impact of problem gambling and get your life back on track.
Read information about other addiction treatments available in Ireland.
How does addiction treatment work?
The treatment for addiction can include an initial assessment, a comprehensive assessment and individual or group counselling. Gambling addiction services may provide financial advice and a referral to other services and supports, for example, Gamblers Anonymous.
If you have mental health needs, you can access your local mental health services for additional support.
Further treatment options can include:
- Addiction counselling in person and online
- Family support
- Group supports, for example, Gamblers Anonymous
- Residential programmes
- Self-help tools
Where are gambling addiction services?
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland has a list of gambling addiction support services.
You can also find local addiction services on this interactive map. You can search by:
- Treatment type such as gambling
- Age group
- Residential or community service
- Supports
Call the national helpline for problem gambling on 1800 936 725. You can find more on Gamblingcare.ie.
Self-help for gambling addiction
You can also find some tips to help your problem gambling on gov.ie including:
- Limiting online advertising of gambling on your social media
- Excluding yourself from some or all gambling companies for a certain time or indefinitely
- Setting up a gambling block with your bank to stop you making gambling transactions on your bank account.
- Installing gambling-blocking software on your device
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland has a self-test to understand how gambling is affecting you.
Find more tips to reduce your exposure to gambling.
Do I have to pay for addiction services?
Non-residential or outpatient addiction services through the public health system (Health Service Executive) are free of charge.
Some residential treatment services through the public health system may be free of charge.
Private treatment services
Private treatment programmes are not free of charge and prices vary depending on the programme. If you have health insurance, contact your insurer to find out if treatment costs are covered.
For more details on access to private treatment services, contact the service provider directly. Find more details of public and private services that provide support for problem gambling.
Further information
Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann or the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland is the independent, statutory body responsible for regulating and licensing the gambling industry in Ireland.
When the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 is fully commenced further supports and protection for people with a gambling addiction will be available including:
- Restricting times and places where gambling can be advertised
- Banning children from gambling online and in person
- Prohibiting the use of credit cards and credit facilities for gambling
- Banning ATM machines in gambling locations
- Launching a National Gambling Exclusion Register
- Banning the use of inducements encouraging gambling
Read more about the law on gambling and the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland.