The number of younger men seeking help for gambling addictions has increased by 50 per cent in the last two years, according to a manager at an addiction treatment facility.
Treatment manager at Tabor Lodge Mick Devine, who described gambling as “the hidden addiction”, said there had been a substantial increase in the number of men between the ages of 18 and 35 presenting with gambling addiction problems at the Co Cork facility since 2009.
Mr Devine said the ease with which people can gamble on the internet was a major factor in the overall increase in gambling.
“We used to see gambling addictions among older men, but gambling is now becoming more of a young man’s activity. Gambling on the internet is seductive for young men who are looking for excitement.”