Problem gambling is a compulsion to continue gambling despite the desire to stop and suffering the negative consequences it may have. It can have a serious financial impact on the person, their family, and their friends, causing severe stress, depression and anxiety.

Problem gambling is the term used to indicate all the patterns of disruptive or damaging gambling behaviour.

Research shows that for every 1 person with a gambling addiction, up to another 10 people are impacted on, by the person addiction.

We provide counselling for people experiencing problem gambling, including those impacted by the gambler’s behaviour. Our service is confidential.

Cora provides support to individuals impacted by problem gambling. She also provides support to family members impacted by gambling, in addition to raising awareness and aiding prevention.

Tel: 057 8686 151
Mobile: 087 3488 062
Email: gamblingawareness@portlaoisefrc.ie

Address: Portlaoise Family Resource Centre, Treo Nua Centre, Harpur’s Lane, Portlaoise R32C7DD

Useful Links:

Gambling Care: https://gamblingcare.ie/

Contact the Gambling Counsellor

    Gambling Care website

    What is GamblingCare.ie? 

    GamblingCare.ie was established in March 2019, to broaden public understanding of safer gambling, and to help those that do develop problems, or their friends and family members, to get the support and help that they need, quickly and effectively. We provide advice, advocacy, and referrals to current support services to help people at all stages of the addiction process. We signpost individuals into dedicated support services across the country ranging from residential programmes, in-person counselling, online counselling, and support groups to self-help tools and resources that can help people overcome the impact of Problem Gambling and get their lives back on track.

    Problem Gambling impacts many people in Ireland, and their families. Whether you need help for yourself, or for someone you love, Gambling Care through a network of dedicated service providers, can offer dedicated support services and access to  self-help tools and resources that can help people overcome the impact of Problem Gambling and get their lives back on track. Learn more about the range of problem gambling support services available in Ireland here.

    Frequently Asked Questions from users of our Gambling Support services

    What is problem gambling?

    Why do people gamble and how does gambling affect the brain?

    Do young people gamble, and what is underage gambling?

    How do I know if I have a gambling problem?

    What is Self Exclusion?

    What should I do if a family or friend is gambling too much?

    How can I control my gambling or gamble more safely?

    Where can I learn more about gambling?

    Gambling Awareness Trust

    GamblingCare is funded and administered by the Gambling Awareness Trust, an independent charity which funds research, education and treatment services to help minimise gambling-related harm in Ireland. The Gambling Awareness Trust charity is wholly funded by donations from the online and retail betting and gaming industry in Ireland. Learn more about the Gambling Awareness Trust here.

    Gambling Awareness Trust recently announced the allocation of €1.7M for services to support those affected by problem gambling in 2023 in Ireland. The introduction of six new support services represents significant advancement in Gambling Awareness Trust’s ability to respond to the critical and growing needs their research has highlighted. Anyone in Ireland experiencing harms from problem gambling, can now get help easily. Learn more about the range of problem gambling support services

    Gambling Care Funding

    Gambling Awareness Trust Funding for Family Resource Centres

    Gambling Awareness Trust provides a vital source of funding for Family Resource Centres throughout Ireland.

    Trained Counsellors at 21 Family Resource Centres now provide a community-based model of family support for the person struggling with problem gambling, and their families or friends.

    Family Resource Centres are managed by local voluntary management committees, trained to identify individual needs and develop needs-led responses. They are participative and empowering organisations that provide a range of universal and targeted services and development opportunities that address the needs of families, including counselling and support to individuals, families and groups impacted by problem gambling.