Wicklow Youth Gambling Awareness Support Service launched

The Wicklow Youth Gambling Support Service aimed at preventing and reducing gambling related harm among young people was launched today by the Bray Local Drug & Alcohol Task Force and East Coast Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force in partnership with Extern Problem Gambling and funded by both Task Force and HSE Social Inclusion.

The support service is designed to equip young people with the skills and knowledge to recognise and avoid problematic gambling behaviours through educational talks. Also launched was a dedicated app with text-chat support, the first of its kind. The Stop Gambling App, is free and confidential and is available to everyone.

Gambling-related harm remains a pressing concern in Ireland. According to the ESRI’s 2023 report, nearly a quarter of 16-year-olds had engaged in gambling activity despite the legal age being 18 and over. While such engagement does not equate to a persistent gambling habit, early exposure to gambling warrants careful attention. Enhancing young people’s understanding of gambling’s potentially habit-forming nature and fostering resilience from a young age can help prevent future harm and support healthier decision-making.

Colm Walsh, Drugs and Alcohol Co-ordinator, said at the event, “Exposure to gambling among young people is a growing concern, and awareness building and early intervention is crucial. This service will raise awareness but crucially it will provide practical support to help young people and their families build resilience against gambling harm. We’re proud to launch this pilot in Wicklow and hopeful it will pave the way for a national rollout into the future.”