Over a quarter of online gamblers losing ‘a lot of money' in major study into Irish betting behaviours

Over a quarter of online gamblers reported losing 'a lot of money' during their most recent session, significant new research into betting patterns has found. The research is among the most significant surveys into Irish gambling to date, shedding light into the behaviours and patterns that can cause consumers harm. It was carried out by the ESRI on behalf of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), the industry's new watchdog. Anne Marie Caulfield, chief executive of GRAI, said the research confirmed to the industry watchdog that there was a need for 'new obligations' to be place on licenced operators. Such duties would include requirements around account opening and closing, the ability to set spending limits and advertising restrictions. 'The research highlights specific challenges associated with online accounts,' she said. 'More than half of online account holders are gambling using multiple accounts, often simultaneously across different platforms. 'Our focus will be on practical and proportionate protections, including marketing standards, effective account controls and self-exclusion arrangements, while ensuring that regulation responds appropriately to developments in the ways in which people gamble.' Read more Inside the offshore gambling recruitment drive targeting Irish influencers The ESRI study made multiple findings, including that online accounts draw people into more types of gambling, potentially fuelling harm. Nearly four in ten people who open an online account to bet on horses or sports go on to other forms of gambling, including online casino games, slots and scratch cards. The research also found that roughly one in five gamblers reported receiving notifications from gambling operators every day. These notifications also proved effective. One in seven respondents said that their most recent online gambling session had directly followed an email, app notification or gambling advertisement. Around a quarter of respondents also told the ESRI that they were trying to reduce their gambling or had planned to do so. Of those who were already trying to cut back, one in three reported that they were gambling the same amount or more than they had one year earlier. Many gamblers also reported that they found it easier to open an online account, or to deposit money, than to close an account or withdraw their winnings. The research also suggested online gambling sessions could be triggered as a 'coping mechanism', noting how respondents wagered money as they felt bored or stressed (16.4pc), chasing a loss (5.6pc) or were unable to sleep (1.6pc). Gambling displaced other parts of everyday life for many survey respondents, too. One in five online gambling sessions interrupted another activity, with work and family time being the most frequently disrupted. Potential policy implications off the back of the research included examining how consumers choose to receive notifications from online gambling services. The results also suggested examining implementing part of the new gambling act that would limit online accounts to a specific gambling activity. This would mean a different account would be required if someone wanted to bet on sport versus using an online casino, or buying scratchcards. The research also noted how over half of online gamblers had more than one account. It suggested this could make it more challenging for individuals to control their gambling behaviours, and also provided the rationale for a central exclusion register. Some difficulties around closing accounts were also noted by the study. It suggested regulations could ensure these were easier to shut down, and that communications from firms ceased alongside any closure. Findings also revealed some differences between online and in-person gambling experiences. Around 26pc of online gamblers were more likely to say they had lost a lot of money, with the same figure 17pc for in-person gamblers. Read more Paddy Power owner Flutter to cut 1,400 staff across Ireland, UK and other locations The ESRI research surveyed a sample of 1,000 gamblers about their in-person and online gambling, their most recent betting sessions, their exposure to operators' communications and attempts to reduce their wagering. The study comes as the GRAI continues its phased rollout of its licensing and regulatory functions. It will provide the watchdog with a detailed picture of the daily gambling behaviour and experiences of consumers in Ireland, as it seeks to implement its functions of protecting consumers. gg