Analysis: new research into problem gambling among elite intercounty players has found several reasons to be concerned
Gambling is a major public health issue. Problem gambling is gambling to a level that compromises, disrupts or damages personal life, family life or recreational activities. It's associated with anxiety, substance use problems, financial difficulties and social issues. In one gambling treatment programme, 80% of patients had suicidal thoughts and 12% attempted suicide. In the UK, the social cost of gambling has been estimated at up to €1.36 billion.
Problem gambling levels vary across Europe, from 0.15% in Holland to 6.6% in Finland. In Ireland, 0.8% of the population are problem gamblers. Males aged 25 to 34 years old have a much higher rate of problem gambling Ireland (2.9%) and there is no national treatment program for problem gamblers.
Much of Ireland's gambling legislation is outdated and arises from the 1931 Betting Act and the 1956 Gaming and Lotteries Act, with little regulation of television and online gambling advertising. Online gambling is the industry’s largest growth area and the Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Act was passed in 2019 to reform this outdated legislation.
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From Jennifer Zamparelli on RTÉ 2FM, former problem gambler, Eoin Coyne on major changes on the way in how gambling is regulated and advertised in Ireland
Previous studies have shown a higher prevalence of problem gambling amongst athletes compared to the general public. Sports sponsorship is a key element of gambling marketing linking gambling, sports and elite athletes. Advertising and marketing connecting gambling and sport (with it’s health-related benefits) may result in "sportswashing". The linkage of sport and gambling can especially affect underage and problem gamblers.
"Gamblification" in British sport is extensive. In the 2021-2022 season, 45% of English Premier League teams had a gambling company as their front-of-jersey sponsor. The gambling industry sponsors the top tier of English rugby league. In contrast and to their immense credit, the GAA banned betting firms in 2018 from sponsoring any GAA competition, team, playing gear or facility.
We have recently published a study which demonstrates that gambling is pervasive among elite GAA intercounty players, and that problem gambling appears much more common than among their peers. In our study, all current adult GPA and WGPA members were invited to complete an online survey titled Alcohol and Gambling in Intercounty GAA Players.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Drivetime, young males in Ireland who play team sports are four times more likely to be regular gamblers
608 players answered the question on current gambling and were included in the gambling section of the study. Most respondents were male, non-smokers, in full-time employment and had completed university and had an average age of 24 years. 79% of respondents were current gamblers.
Levels of a problem gambling level (4.8%) were well above the general population (0.8%). All problem gamblers were male. Among high-risk gamblers, significantly more were male (100% vs 76%), fewer completed university (52% vs 69%) and more were smokers (48% vs 24%).
Compared to non-problem gamblers, problem gamblers were more likely to avail of free online gambling offers (90% vs 44%), gamble with intercounty teammates (52% vs 21%) and placed their first bet prior to 16 years old (41% vs 19%). Mobile apps on phones were the most common device used to gamble online (63%). It has been previously demonstrated that internet gamblers are three to four times more likely to develop a gambling problem. Twitter (41%), Facebook (27%) and Instagram (21%) were the most common social media platforms used to follow gambling companies.
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From RTÉ One's Claire Byrne Live, All Ireland winning Tyrone footballer Conn Kilpatrick on how his gambling addiction nearly ruined his life
Furthermore, 23% gambled with intercounty teammates and 28% felt it inappropriate for the gambling industry to sponsor GAA competitions. Worryingly, 19% of participants were unaware it is against GAA rules to bet on a game in which they are involved. If they had issues with alcohol or gambling, the most common source of support chosen was family (35%).
Many players recognise the harmful gambling culture within elite GAA as evidenced by comments made in the study. For example, "biggest problem in the GAA. I have had problems in the past which required me to seek help for gambling addiction." Some players believe that elite athletes personality type lends itself to gambling issues: "the addictive/obsessive nature of most intercounty player's personalities leave them very susceptible to gambling problems". Worryingly, players also appear to be gambling on matches in their sport: "most players bet on GAA due the knowledge they have on it".
Improving health behaviours in athletes is particularly important in society, as sportspeople are often seen as role models, especially to young people. Footballer Marcus Rashford's successful campaign to provide means-tested free school meals over the summer of 2020 showed the value of the example and leadership of sportspeople to our societies.
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From RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland, Tim Barry, Chairman of Rathdowney Errill Gaa Club, wants club players to take a course in alcohol, gambling and substance abuse
Changing this harmful gambling culture in the GAA is complex and should ideally involve the athletes, their friends and family, representative bodies, backroom staff, government and sporting organisations and wider society. Thankfully, there are proven evidence-based solutions. These include banning sports sponsorship by the gambling industry, limiting childhood access to gambling, increasing gambling taxes and treatment programs.
As with the alcohol and processed food industries, powerful lobbying interests support marketing that encourages harmful and addictive behaviour, which we need to be aware of and challenge. By banning gambling sponsorship, the GAA has shown excellent leadership in prioritising health over financial gain.
Given the level of gambling and problem gambling in the GAA, it is important to adopt an organisation-wide program to reduce harm. Other sporting organisations, media outlets and national bodies should consider what they value and their approach to the gambling industry and the harms to the members and participants.
This research was undertaken by Kieran Murray, Colm Murphy, Matthew Adam Turk and Jack McCaffrey with the help of the GPA and WGPA.
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
