Philip McGuigan urges immediate action on gambling harm treatment in Northern Ireland

Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan

Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan has issued a stark warning to the Northern Ireland Executive following the release of a major gambling prevalence study that reveals disturbing levels of gambling-related harm across the province.

The 2024 Prevalence of Gambling in Northern Ireland report, commissioned by the Department for Communities, indicates that 3% of the population are currently experiencing severe gambling harms, with an additional 10% identified as being at low or moderate risk.

Mr McGuigan, who chairs the All Party Group on Reducing Harm Related to Gambling, described the findings as a “clear call to action” and urged Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to prioritise the commissioning of dedicated gambling treatment services.

“The Minister of Health must act without delay to commission dedicated gambling treatment services,” said McGuigan during a speech in the Assembly. “With existing addiction services already under pressure, additional funding is essential. The findings of this survey point to a serious gap in provision for addiction treatment in the north. The need is clearly there, but people aren’t getting the help they need.”

A particularly concerning aspect of the report is the low rate of individuals seeking support. Despite the prevalence of gambling-related stress and anxiety—reported by nearly one in 12 gamblers—only 1% have accessed information or services related to gambling or mental health.

The survey also found that one in seven adults who gambled in the past year admitted to betting more than they could afford to lose, while one in eight said they needed to gamble increasing amounts to maintain the same level of excitement.

“These figures are deeply concerning and underscore the serious social and public health implications of gambling addiction,” McGuigan continued. “This isn’t just about individuals losing money; it’s about broken families, damaged relationships, and communities struggling with the fallout of gambling harms.”

Ten percent of respondents affected by gambling also reported the breakdown of a close relationship due to someone else’s gambling behaviour, highlighting the extensive social consequences of gambling-related issues.

Call for Industry Levy and Fair Funding Distribution

In addition to calling for improved treatment services, McGuigan renewed his demand for the immediate introduction of a statutory levy on land-based gambling operators in Northern Ireland. The measure, permitted under the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, has yet to be implemented.

“Calling the Minister for Communities to introduce a levy is a fair and necessary step,” McGuigan said. “The industry profiting from gambling must contribute to the prevention and treatment of gambling harm.”

McGuigan also criticised the British Government for failing to include Northern Ireland in the proceeds of a statutory gambling levy introduced across Britain on 6 April 2025.

“Online gambling operators licensed by Britain’s Gambling Commission are freely advertising and profiting here in the North,” he explained. “Yet, our population is completely excluded from the financial benefits of the statutory gambling levy on these operators. That is unacceptable. Executive Ministers must demand that the North receives its fair share of this funding.”

Advertising Restrictions Urged

The report also reveals widespread public support for stricter regulation of gambling advertisements. Sixty-six percent of survey respondents believe there are too many gambling ads, while 71% support the introduction of a watershed on gambling advertising during peak TV and radio hours.

McGuigan is now appealing to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy MP to introduce tighter advertising controls, including a watershed to protect vulnerable audiences.

“The public clearly wants action. The evidence is there. We must act now to protect individuals and families from the devastating consequences of gambling addiction,” he said.

The full Prevalence of Gambling in Northern Ireland 2024 report is available at: datavis.nisra.gov.uk

Philip McGuigan’s full Assembly statement can be accessed via: niassembly.gov.uk