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One in every four people admitted to addiction treatment centers are specifically suffering from chronic online gambling, treatment providers have revealed.
Such is the case in Ireland where a 250 percent hike in such addictions has been observed over the past three years. Such behavior has been further fueled by the introduction of mobile and live in-play betting.
The report is expected to help provide support for pushing through a proposed gambling bill. Said legislation, which has been in the works since 2006, is expected to impose a 1pc levy on all gambling profits in Ireland. Ireland to date incorporates nominal regulation on the gambling front.
The debts caused by the addiction problems ranged from just over €20,000 to €500,000.
Paul Mullins, who compiled the stats, explained: "A lot of people refer to gambling as the most destructive addiction because when a person finally admits they have a problem and seek help, they are generally facing into financial destruction and huge debts.”
- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com
