GPA: gambling "a growing worry"

It's all about the money

The GPA is alarmed by the number of GAA players succumbing to gambling addiction.

The players' representative body provides a counselling service to its members and more than one-third of those who avail of this have a gambling problem.

GPA head of communications Sean Potts has confirmed that the Association is concerned about the number of its members who are suffering from gambling addiction:

"Under no circumstances do we pay out for the debts incurred by the individual," he tells The Irish Examiner. "We provide support for the player in terms of diagnosis, treatment and after-care associated with an addiction like this.

"It's an emerging problem with Irish society but we can only deal with what we see. It came to our attention with the establishment of our counseling programme.

"Of the 100 people that have been through it, over a third of them have been gambling cases.

"We are a small group but that is a very significant proportion of the people who have been treated.

"Is it a worry? It's a growing worry and nothing that we have seen of late has allayed any of those fears."

_________

With the amount of gambling discussion at times on this site

I think it's more than just the players that might have a problem

Without question a growing problem amongst players and fans alike

jimbodub (Dublin) - Posts: 20763 - 08/10/2013 13:09:22    1497714

Jimbo, it is possible to bet, or drink without it becoming a problem! There does seem to be a major issue with players in lots of sports gambling for some reason.

hurlingdub (Dublin) - Posts: 6978 - 08/10/2013 13:28:04    1497744

It's not 'an emerging problem' it's been a huge problem in this country for a very long time, the GPA has taken a special interest in it's own members and that's understandable but it's a far bigger issue than that unfortunately!

realdub (Dublin) - Posts: 8729 - 08/10/2013 13:28:49    1497748

If you cant watch sport without gambling...

"Because it makes it more fun"

I think you'd have to have a look at yourself tbh...

Personally have no time for it... apart from the odd flutter on some 66-1 long shot at one of the big horse racing things

jimbodub (Dublin) - Posts: 20763 - 08/10/2013 13:55:04    1497770

realdub
County: Dublin
Posts: 2166

1497748
It's not 'an emerging problem' it's been a huge problem in this country for a very long time, the GPA has taken a special interest in it's own members and that's understandable but it's a far bigger issue than that unfortunately!
_______

From what I've seen I'd agree with that...

So easy to gamble now... all you need is a phone

A filthy grubby thing...

jimbodub (Dublin) - Posts: 20763 - 08/10/2013 13:57:00    1497772

i'll have a tenner with you that nothing comes of this Jimbo

Liamwalkinstown (Dublin) - Posts: 8166 - 08/10/2013 14:14:48    1497786

Jimbo, it is people betting on 66/1 shots that are the meat and drink of the gambling business! I have been refused bets because I was taking money on them. As I siad, you can't try and stop everyone doing somethng because a small number of people drink or gamble too much.

hurlingdub (Dublin) - Posts: 6978 - 08/10/2013 14:16:55    1497790

It's only a problem if you let be one. Difference between an alcoholic and a occasional drinker.

FoolsGold (Cavan) - Posts: 2872 - 08/10/2013 14:28:17    1497801

Any addiction is not a nice thing but for some reason people in general tend to be dismissive of gambling addiction like its not a 'real' addiction. I have a friend who suffered and not only did he suffer, but so to did his wife and children, I saw it all, the depression, the mood swings and the despair. As someone who hasn't got a notion about bookies odds, horses, or whatever, I simply couldn't comprehend what was going on in his life due to this compulsion to spend money to win money and to keep on spending it hoping for the big one to happen. I hope Cathal McCarron gets the help he needs, he has been a revelation in a Tyrone shirt this season and for his and his family's sake, I hope he can get it back together again.

brendtheredhand (Tyrone) - Posts: 10897 - 08/10/2013 14:35:17    1497806

There's a reason why there are so many bookies in working class areas...

Fleecing the uneducated and under privileged

It's a filthy thing gambling

I spend my money on guaranteed happiness

jimbodub (Dublin) - Posts: 20763 - 08/10/2013 15:42:03    1497869

brendtheredhand
County: Tyrone
Posts: 8293

1497806
Any addiction is not a nice thing but for some reason people in general tend to be dismissive of gambling addiction like its not a 'real' addiction. I have a friend who suffered and not only did he suffer, but so to did his wife and children, I saw it all, the depression, the mood swings and the despair. As someone who hasn't got a notion about bookies odds, horses, or whatever, I simply couldn't comprehend what was going on in his life due to this compulsion to spend money to win money and to keep on spending it hoping for the big one to happen. I hope Cathal McCarron gets the help he needs, he has been a revelation in a Tyrone shirt this season and for his and his family's sake, I hope he can get it back together again.
____

Great post man.

jimbodub (Dublin) - Posts: 20763 - 08/10/2013 15:42:33    1497871

A real gambling epidemic is around the corner methinks. It's a different situation these days with the ability to do online gambling which is a click of a button away in your own home, or even on the move via a phone now.
Gambling seems to be getting worse but is it a major surprise when you look at televised sports events these days. An EPL game for example, will have adverts encourarging betting before the game and at HT. Have even seen those electronic advertising hoardings they have now flashing up 'next goalscorer' bets as game is going on. Everything seems to be sponsored by some form of bookies these days, even creeping into the GAA with various teams sponsored by them.
For someone who doesn't bet, it's hard to get my head around the obsession really but see it with some in my family and friends, everything requires a bet on it these days.
I suppose drink and drug addiction is visible in a way, people's appearance changes. Gambling is a total different animal but no less dangerous.I'm not one for nanny state interference but on this issue I really think something needs done and fast as the game has changed so much in recent years.

srb (Antrim) - Posts: 344 - 08/10/2013 15:44:13    1497876

Biggest problem is things like Bookmakers Apps
and then you have radio stations offering odds all the way thru commentary on various matches.....
but the same crowd will have another programme a day later giving out ***** about the same thing!!

Liamwalkinstown (Dublin) - Posts: 8166 - 08/10/2013 15:53:46    1497889

I like a bet , I like a Drink and I like Cake but I wouldn't bet! drink! or eat cake every day or every other day I also used to like Women until I got married :0).

fortyfive (Tyrone) - Posts: 5929 - 08/10/2013 16:05:23    1497903

Jimbo i am disappointed with your last statement. Just because someone is working class does not mean they are under educated.
I love a flutter. There is no better thrill than seeing your horse cross the line in a tight finish or getting a football bet up but I do know never to bet more than I can afford. That seems to be where the problem lies. I have friends who set aside part of their wages for betting purposes. They also will bet more if they win. They don't know when to walk away and as a result it has become an integral part of their lives.

gotmilk (Fermanagh) - Posts: 4971 - 08/10/2013 16:08:47    1497906

"Guaranteed happiness" Jimbo ! What is that?

Each to their own. I like betting and most people who bet don't end up as problem cases, same as most people who drink don't become alcoholics.

hurlingdub (Dublin) - Posts: 6978 - 08/10/2013 16:12:47    1497908

I live by a simple rule when I gamble, I never bet what I cannot afford to lose. The temptation is of course there but I always ask myself am I prepared to lose this money prior to placing a bet. If I did not I could see how it would get out of hand. One big win on a big bet and you could be addicted in an instant. I can only imagine the devastation it could cause. I have a friend who works in a bookies and he has told me a number of stories.

jamesjoyce (Derry) - Posts: 126 - 08/10/2013 16:25:24    1497922

I like a bet and would safetly say I'm well in front of the bookie when it comes to backing gaa matches. Paddy power hasn't a clue when it comes to pricing up gaa games especially club games. Not a clue.. Easy money if you use your head! ... Take last Sunday they offered 10/11 -2 on loughrea.. 4/7 -3 on dr crokes . Now that's what I call buying money. Dublin 1/1 against Mayo! Mayo minors 1/2 against Tyrone ... Just a few examples of buying money!

dirtybag (Cavan) - Posts: 242 - 08/10/2013 16:32:26    1497931

Well do ya know what, fairplay to ya dirtybag, the only person I've ever met who was ahead of the bookies in any sport, come down here and give us a few lessons :)

realdub (Dublin) - Posts: 8729 - 08/10/2013 16:41:28    1497946

I enjoy a bet. I've had a horse in training and when it won , well let's just say I was in complete agreement with mick Fitzgerald. It truly is better.
Secondly to dispense a argument that its only working class or undereducated that have problems is not only disrespectful but also untrue. The vast majority of people I know who would be considered addicts are businessman or women and professionals.
I'll take a drink very seldom. I'm not a alcoholic. I'll have a bet on horses or gaa matches and every year I religiously go to Cheltenham. I was told by a wise man many years ago. Never bet more than you are prepared to lose. Those that have problems need help. But the buzz of winning is great for me. Do I have a problem? No. Why? Cause I never bet more than I can afford to lose. Ask yourself one question before placing a bet. If I was to put a match to this 10/20;50/100/500 would I miss it or need it. If you answer yes don't bet. If you answer no then best of luck with your selections.

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 08/10/2013 16:42:53    1497947