Soaring Gambling Sprees Among Ireland's Youngsters
Bank of Ireland introduces debit card restrictions for gambling, in response to heightened youth gambling rates.
Gambling Spree among Millennials
Major sporting events, such as the Cheltenham Festival and the Six Nations, have fueled a surge in betting frenzy among the young folk of Ireland. Data sprung from Bank of Ireland reveals a jaw-dropping 19% increase in gambling spending among the 18 to 25-year-olds during the initial three months of 2025. Quite interestingly, the overall card spending saw a minor 2% dip [1][5].
Men, Counties Wicklow, Kilkenny, and Limerick in the Lead
Male bettors lead the gambling brigade, accounting for a whopping 70% of all wagers. Wicklow, Kilkenny, and Limerick have emerged as hotspots, witnessing drastic hikes in gambling acivity with a staggering 37%, 24%, and 20% rise, respectively [1][5]. Elderly folks, aged above 65, on the other hand, admitted defeat with a 8% decline in their betting activity [1][5].
Bank of Ireland Steps In
Recognizing the escalating situation, the Bank of Ireland has rolled out a voluntary tool to block gambling transactions made using their cards. This feature initially has been deployed for debit cards and will soon be extended to credit cards for added control over spending habits [1][3].
Fighting Problem Gambling
Entities like GamblingCare.ie have welcomed such measures as initiating a multi-faceted strategy to combat gambling addiction in Ireland. The nation has initiated its first fully-funded gambling addiction program, demonstrating an effort to lend a helping hand to those struggling with the issue [5]. These actions are crucial in combating problem gambling and promoting responsible gaming ethos among the youth [1][5].
[1] - IrelandExaminer, Emer Walsh, May 2025
[3] - Bank of Ireland Press Release, June 2025
[5] - GamblingCare.ie, Awareness brief, May 2025
- The surge in gambling spending among 18 to 25-year-olds in Ireland during the first quarter of 2025 significantly outpaced the overall card spending, showing a 19% increase.
- The Bank of Ireland has revealed that male bettors constitute 70% of all gambling transactions in the country.
- Wicklow, Kilkenny, and Limerick have experienced a notable increase in gambling activity, with Wicklow showing a staggering 37% rise, Kilkenny 24%, and Limerick 20%.
- Elderly folk, aged over 65, have seen an 8% decline in their gambling activity in the same time period, as reported by the Bank of Ireland.
- In an effort to combat the escalating gambling problem among the youth, the Bank of Ireland has launched a voluntary tool to block gambling transactions made through their debit cards.
- This tool, currently only available for debit cards, will soon be extended to credit cards as well.
- Beyond financial control, initiatives like the first fully-funded gambling addiction program in Ireland are being implemented to help those struggling with the issue.
- Entities like GamblingCare.ie have welcomed these measures, viewing them as key components in a comprehensive strategy to fight gambling addiction in the country.
- Engaging in responsible gaming is vitally important, particularly among the younger population, to promote personal-finance stability and overall well-being.
- Online gadgets, technology, social media, entertainment, sports like football, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, mixed-martial-arts, and racing, have facilitated the growing trend of sports-betting in Ireland.
- Acknowledging the increased involvement of gambling in various aspects of modern life, efforts are being made to ensure a balance between entertainment and responsible finance management.
