Responsible Gambling in Ireland

At Best Online Casino Ireland, we believe that online gambling should be a fun, entertaining, and positive experience. For the vast majority of players in Ireland, it remains exactly that – a form of leisure enjoyed responsibly. However, we also recognise that for a small percentage of individuals, gambling can transition from harmless entertainment into a serious problem with significant negative consequences.

Player safety and well-being are paramount to us. This page is dedicated to providing you with comprehensive information about responsible gambling, how to identify potential risks, and where to find help and support if gambling is becoming an issue for you or someone you know in Ireland.

What Does Responsible Gambling Mean?

Responsible gambling is about staying in control of your betting behaviour. It means treating gambling as a form of paid entertainment, not a way to make money. Key principles of responsible gambling include:

• Gambling within your financial means: Only betting what you can comfortably afford to lose without impacting your essential living expenses or savings.
• Maintaining balance: Ensuring gambling does not interfere with your daily life, work, relationships, or physical and mental health.
• Making informed decisions: Understanding how games work, the odds involved, and the risks associated with gambling before you play.
• Exercising control: Setting personal limits on the time and money you spend and strictly adhering to them.
• Recognising signs of potential harm: Being aware of your own behaviour and identifying when gambling might be becoming problematic.

When gambling moves from enjoyable leisure to a compulsive behaviour that causes harm to the individual or those around them, it is often referred to as problem gambling or gambling addiction.

Tips for Gambling Responsibly

Implementing simple strategies can help ensure your gambling remains a form of safe entertainment:

• Treat it as Entertainment: View any money spent on gambling as the cost of entertainment, just like paying for a movie or concert. Do not see it as an investment or a reliable source of income.
• Set Time Limits: Decide how long you will gamble for before you start a session. Stick to this limit and take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Set a Fixed Budget: Determine the maximum amount of money you are willing to lose in a gambling session, day, week, or month. This is your “bankroll.” Only gamble with funds you can afford to lose, and never use money set aside for essential bills or savings.
• Never Gamble Under the Influence: Avoid gambling when you are feeling stressed, upset, depressed, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as this can severely impair your judgment and lead to impulsive decisions.
• Don’t Chase Losses: Accepting losses as a normal part of gambling is crucial. Trying to win back money you’ve lost by increasing your bets (known as “chasing losses”) is a dangerous path that often leads to greater financial and personal problems.
• Gamble for Enjoyment, Not Escape: Ensure you are gambling because you genuinely enjoy it, not as a way to escape from problems or difficult feelings.
• Utilise Responsible Gambling Tools: Take full advantage of the features offered by licensed online casinos (see below).

Understanding Problem Gambling

Problem gambling is an addictive behaviour that can severely impact a person’s life, health, relationships, and finances. It’s often called a hidden addiction because there are few obvious physical signs.

Common Warning Signs of Problem Gambling:

It’s important to be aware of these potential indicators in yourself or someone you care about. Recognising them early is key to seeking help:

• Spending more money or time on gambling than you intended or can afford.
• Trying to hide or lie about your gambling habits from family and friends.
• Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when you are unable to gamble (withdrawal symptoms).
• Having an overwhelming urge to gamble, even when you know you shouldn’t.
• Chasing losses – feeling the need to gamble more to try and win back money you’ve lost.
• Borrowing money, selling possessions, or resorting to dishonest acts to fund gambling.
• Neglecting work, school, family, or personal responsibilities due to gambling.
• Being constantly preoccupied with gambling – thinking about past wins/losses or planning your next bet.
• Experiencing relationship problems or conflicts with loved ones because of gambling.
• Feeling guilt, shame, hopelessness, or suicidal thoughts related to your gambling behaviour.

If you recognise several of these signs, it may indicate a potential gambling problem. For a more detailed understanding of the criteria used by health professionals, you can refer to resources from organisations like the Health Service Executive (HSE) Ireland.

Getting Help

Recognising that you might have a gambling problem is a significant and brave step towards recovery. You are not alone, and effective help and support are readily available.

• Admit You Have a Problem: Be honest with yourself and others. This is the crucial first step.
• Talk to Someone You Trust: Share your concerns with a supportive friend, family member, or colleague.
• Contact a Professional Organisation: Reach out to dedicated problem gambling support services. They offer confidential advice, counselling, and resources tailored to your situation (see section below).
• Avoid Triggers: Stay away from environments, people, or situations that tempt you to gamble.
• Stay Busy: Fill your time with healthy activities, hobbies, and spending time with supportive people.
• Consider Support Groups: Joining a group like Gamblers Anonymous allows you to share experiences with others facing similar struggles and build a support network.
• Seek Counselling or Therapy: Professional counsellors specializing in addiction can provide valuable strategies and support.

Support for Family and Friends

Problem gambling doesn’t just affect the individual; it impacts their loved ones too. If you are concerned about someone’s gambling:

• Educate Yourself: Learn about problem gambling and its signs.
• Talk to Them Openly: Express your concerns calmly and supportively, focusing on the behaviour and its impact, not judgment.
• Encourage Them to Seek Help: Share resources and offer to support them in contacting professional services.
• Seek Support for Yourself: Dealing with a loved one’s gambling problem can be emotionally draining. Support groups like GamAnon are specifically designed for friends and families affected by someone else’s gambling.

Responsible Gambling Tools

Licensed online casinos offer various tools designed to help you manage your gambling and stay in control. We highly recommend utilising these features:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit into your casino account over a specific period (e.g., daily, weekly, or monthly). This helps control your spending.
• Loss Limits: Set a limit on the maximum net loss you can incur over a defined period. If you reach this limit, you will be prevented from gambling further until the period resets.
• Session Limits: Limit the duration of your gaming sessions. After your set time expires, the casino may automatically log you out or remind you to take a break.
• Wagering Limits: Set a limit on the total amount you can wager within a specific timeframe.
• Cool-Off Periods: Take a short break from gambling by temporarily blocking access to your account for a defined period (e.g., 24 hours, 1 week, 1 month).
• Self-Exclusion: If you need a longer break, you can self-exclude from the casino for a significant period (e.g., 6 months, 1 year, 5 years, or permanently). During self-exclusion, you cannot access your account or receive marketing.

These tools are often found in the “Responsible Gambling,” “My Account,” or “Settings” sections of licensed online casinos.

Practical Steps You Can Take Beyond the Casino

You can also take personal steps to create barriers and limit your exposure to gambling:

• Block Gambling Payments: Some banks and financial service providers in Ireland offer options to block transactions to gambling websites or set spending limits on your debit/credit cards. Please note: Not all financial institutions provide this service. Check with your specific bank or provider (e.g., Revolut, N26 are known to offer such features) for current availability.
• Install Blocking Software: Use third-party software or mobile apps designed to block access to gambling websites across all your devices (computers, phones, tablets). Examples include GamBlock, Gamban, Net Nanny, and Cybersitter.
• Opt-Out of Gambling Advertising: Adjust your privacy and ad settings on social media platforms (like Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter) and other online services (like YouTube, Google) to reduce the amount of gambling-related advertising you see. Instructions can usually be found in the account settings of these platforms.
• Review Your Gambling History: Regularly check your transaction and playing history within your casino accounts to keep track of your spending and time spent gambling. This can help you identify if you are exceeding your limits.

Resources and Support Organisations in Ireland

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, confidential and professional help is available. Reaching out is a sign of strength. Do not hesitate to contact these organisations:

Dedicated Irish Support Services:

• ProblemGambling.ie (Extern Problem Gambling)
  • Offers free, confidential counselling and support across Ireland.
  • Website: https://www.problemgambling.ie/
  • Helpline: 089 241 5401
• GamblingCare.ie (Gambling Awareness Trust)
  • Provides a national helpline and supports treatment services in Ireland.
  • Website: https://www.gamblingcare.ie/
  • Helpline: 1800 936 725 (Freephone)
  • Phone: 01 2469595
• Gamblers Anonymous Ireland (GA Ireland)
  • Offers a 12-step program and local support group meetings throughout Ireland for individuals recovering from gambling problems.
  • Website: https://www.gamblersanonymous.ie/
  • Helpline: 087 748 5878

Support for Friends and Family:

• GamAnon UK & Ireland
  • Offers support group meetings for friends and family members affected by problem gambling.
  • Website: https://www.gamanon.org.uk/ (Provides information on UK & Ireland meetings)

Other Relevant UK/International Resources:

• GamCare (UK-based, widely recognised)
  • Provides free information, support, and counselling for gambling harm via helpline, live chat, and forums.
  • Website: https://www.gamcare.org.uk/
  • National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (Free to call from the UK, check charges from Ireland)
• BeGambleAware.org (UK-based, widely recognised)
  • Provides information and guidance on responsible gambling and directs users to support.
  • Website: https://www.begambleaware.org/
  • National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (Free to call from the UK, check charges from Ireland)
• GAMSTOP (UK National Self-Exclusion Scheme)
  • Allows you to self-exclude from most online gambling operators licensed in Great Britain.
  • Website: https://www.gamstop.co.uk/
  • Note: Many online casinos serving Ireland also hold a UKGC license and participate in GAMSTOP. Registering may block access to these sites, but it is primarily a UK scheme.
• Gordon Moody
  • Provides residential treatment and support for severe gambling addiction in the UK.
  • Website: https://www.gordonmoody.org.uk/

Blocking Software / Apps:

• GamBlock: https://www.gamblock.com 
• Gamban: https://gamban.com 
• Net Nanny: https://www.netnanny.com 
• Cybersitter: https://www.cybersitter.com/ 
• Qustodio: https://www.qustodio.com/en/ 

Preventing Underage Gambling

Gambling is strictly prohibited for individuals under the age of 18 in Ireland. Allowing minors to gamble is illegal and carries a significantly higher risk of developing addiction problems later in life.

We strongly support measures to prevent underage gambling:

• Casino Age Verification: Reputable online casinos are legally required to implement robust age verification processes, often requiring identity documents.
• Parental Responsibility: Parents and guardians play a vital role. Keep your login details secure, do not leave children unsupervised around devices logged into gambling sites, and educate children about the risks of gambling.
• Parental Control Software: Install software or use built-in device settings to block access to gambling websites and apps. Examples include:
  • Net Nanny
  • Cyber Patrol
  • Cybersitter
  • Qustodio
  • Safe Kids App

We urge parents and guardians to be vigilant and use all available tools to protect minors.

Gambling Facts in Ireland

Understanding the scale of gambling and problem gambling in Ireland provides important context.

According to a 2025 report by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), approximately 1 in 30 adults in Ireland—about 130,000 people—suffers from problem gambling, a figure significantly higher than previous estimates. Additionally, the ESRI estimates that a further 279,000 adults show moderate evidence of problem gambling.

The Health Research Board (HRB) reports that, in recent years:

• Around 90,000 adults in Ireland are classified as low-risk gamblers
• 35,000 as moderate-risk gamblers
• 12,000 as problem gamblers

These earlier figures are now considered likely underestimates due to methodological differences in survey design, with newer anonymous online surveys revealing higher prevalence rates.

Key Demographic and Behavioral Insights

• About half of the Irish population (49%) gambles in some form.
• Men are five times more likely than women to be problem gamblers.
• Problem gambling is more prevalent among young men and people living in deprived areas, and is strongly associated with unemployment and substance use disorders.
• One-half of those entering treatment for problem gambling began gambling before the age of 18, with a median treatment entry age of 34.
• On average, problem gamblers reported spending upwards of €1,000 per month on gambling, with online gambling accounting for about 60% of this expenditure.
• Adults with gambling problems are three times more likely to have experienced adverse childhood experiences related to gambling than those without addiction issues.

Recent legislative changes, including the establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) and the introduction of stricter regulations, aim to address the growing societal burden of gambling-related harm.

Your Well-being Matters

At Best Online Casino Ireland, our goal is to be a trusted resource for finding reputable online casinos that prioritise player safety. Part of being a trusted resource is actively promoting responsible gambling practices and ensuring you know where to turn if you need help.

If you ever feel that gambling is becoming a problem for you, or if you are concerned about a friend or family member, please reach out to the resources listed on this page immediately. They offer confidential, professional support and guidance.

Remember, gambling should always be about entertainment, not a source of stress, harm, or financial difficulty. Stay in control, and play responsibly.