Gambling has been identified in 23 deaths by suicide in coroner files over a six-year period, the first Irish study of its kind has found.
The research analysed 3,625 deaths by probable suicide recorded by coroners nationwide over a six-year period between 2015 and 2020. It was found that of the 23 deaths associated with gambling, 91 per cent were men with an average age of 38.7.
Data from the Irish Probable Suicide Death Study was searched to identify deaths where gambling was noted by the coroner. The research was published by the Institute of Public Health (IPH), the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) and the Health Research Board (HRB).
In Ireland, there are an estimated 130,000 adults with a gambling problem, while a recent study by IPH and the Tobacco Free Research Institute also found that almost a quarter of 16 year olds in Ireland had gambled for money in the previous year.
Internationally, there is increasing concern and focus on the relationship between gambling and suicide. Studies from several countries have shown that among people receiving treatment for problem gambling, between 22 per cent and 81 per cent have thought about suicide, and 7 per cent to 30 per cent have attempted taking their own life.
However, the researchers noted the extent and nature of the relationship between gambling and suicide is largely unknown, complex and linked to several socioeconomic factors, interpersonal issues and mental health conditions, including addiction.
The study outlined the need for standardisation and improvements in the detection of gambling in deaths by suicide and advances in gambling operator data sharing practices. By sharing data it would allow analysis of the betting accounts of the deceased and could also aid in identifying gambling products that are higher risk which may provide guidance for regulation.
Dr Suzi Lyons, a senior researcher at the Health Research Board (HRB), said the findings shine a light on the importance of high-quality data to help “better understand this significant public health issue”.
The Department of Health is currently developing a successor to Ireland’s national strategy to reduce suicide, Connecting for Life (2015-2024).
In October 2024, the Gambling Regulation Act was passed into law in Ireland allowing for the establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI).
Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO designate of the GRAI, welcomed the study’s publication, saying the findings and recommendations were a “valuable contribution”.
“The establishment of the GRAI will be a significant milestone in ensuring a well-regulated gambling sector that protects the public from harms associated with gambling,” she said.
If you are affected by any of the issues in this story, you can contact The Samaritans on freephone 116 123
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