High suicide rate among Irish gamblers

A TOP psychiatrist has warned of the high suicide rate among gambling addicts who see no way out of their debts.

The RTÉ exposé, All Bets Are Off, which will be shown on Monday night, also reveals that adolescents are much more likely than adults to gamble in the 21st century when betting can be carried out at the touch of a button.

It highlights how Irish gamblers are the biggest losers online and the third biggest losers in the world when it comes to internet betting.

Dr Colin O’Gara (pictured), a consultant psychiatrist who treats gambling addiction in St John of God Hospital, Dublin, reveals it is a hugely underestimated problem which can result in death. He said: ‘It is a fatal illness. Some people end up in the criminal justice system and some people die. When people come here they are really at the end of the road, they have lost a lot of money and they are physically and mentally shut down. Internationally, one in 10 people will get treatment for gambling addiction. It is much higher for other addictions.’

Former GAA star Niall McNamee also told how he ended up with no money for food and bills when he was in the midst of the betting spree which consumed his life. The Offaly footballer admitted the high pressure zone of championship football was his only release from the constant worry about his next bet.

He said: ‘It was the only bit of peace I got all week, but as soon as the final whistle went all the same thoughts started coming back in.’

All Bets Are Off is on RTÉ One, tomorrow at 9.35pm