A new gambling support service has opened its doors in Limerick

SOUTHILL Family Resource Centre offers a new counselling service to support individuals struggling with gambling addiction in the local community. 

The service is organised to support individuals and loved ones affected by gambling addiction. 

Fully funded by Gambling Awareness Trust, the free and confidential service is one of 20 similar programmes being provided through family resources centres across Ireland.

The new service has been launched in response to the growing need for accessible gambling support, as the issues surrounding gambling become harder to detect with digital and gamified gambling platforms easily available.

Speaking about the support offered at SFRC, Dylan Johnston, SRFC Gambling Counsellor said, “We offer one-on-one gambling counselling for those affected by gambling addiction and for their families and loved ones. Being part of a wider picture within the Family Resource Centre network, we have access to many qualified psychotherapists, so we can offer support to the entire family network.

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“It is also worth noting that gambling isn’t just a male phenomenon, with gambling amongst women on the rise. We are noticing that not enough women are reaching out for support. Women more frequently gamble with online casino games, slots, bingo, lotto and scratch cards. If this is becoming a problem, you should definitely reach out.”

The Gambling Counsellor highlighted the warning signs of gambling addiction, which include increasing betting amounts, borrowing money, secrecy around finances, lying about gambling habits, missing social events, or obsessively trying to win back losses. 

Mr Johnston said, “You might start off betting €5. But then it goes up to €10, €20 and €50. Before you know it, you’re borrowing money, and you’re getting into a lot of trouble that way. The temptation to gamble is a lot more potent today than ever before, with adverts becoming more tempting, frequent and addictive.”

Support options include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, financial advice through MABS, web-blocking tools like GAMBAN, and even banking restrictions available through providers like AIB, Bank of Ireland, and Revolut. 

Building a strong daily routine and support network is also emphasised as key to long-term recovery.

Dylan Johnston said; “Overcoming gambling addiction begins with reaching out for support. It’s a tough challenge to face alone, so please consider contacting our confidential counselling service at dylan@southillfrc.com or by calling 083-4143684 or 061-440250.”