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Gambling addiction is a serious issue that often begins in adolescence, as illustrated by the case of Declan Cregan, a former gambling addict who now works as a training officer with the charity Gambling With Lives. Through his role at the organisation, Cregan is hoping to educate young people in Northern Ireland about the dangers of gambling, drawing from his own experiences to highlight the potentially devastating consequences.
It is easy to lay the blame for youth gambling problems at the hands of gambling operators. But, it’s also important that online casinos promote healthy habits and provide tools to help players recognise and address compulsive behaviour. The prospect of winning wagers and jackpots, particularly through new no deposit bonuses can be very tempting. This is why having Responsible Gambling pages similar to the one available on the AussieBonuses website is imperative.
Initiatives like these are vital to safeguarding the younger generation from the risks of gambling. Such pages offer valuable insights into responsible gambling practices and the importance of self-regulation. They also offer details on self-exclusion tools, free online resources, and contacts to readily available organisations to provide support.
A Harrowing Journey Into Addiction
Declan Cregan’s gambling story began innocently enough. At just 15, he placed a £1 bet on a roulette wheel and won £7. What seemed like a harmless bet quickly spiralled out of control. By the time he was 16, gambling had become a regular fixture in his life. Nights were spent placing bets, and visits to local betting shops became part of his routine.
Cregan’s addiction grew to the point where he resorted to theft to fuel his gambling habit, ultimately accumulating losses of £500,000. The situation became so dire that Cregan even considered ending his life. Fortunately, with the support of friends, he sought help and began his recovery journey.
Educating Youth to Prevent Gambling Harm
Now, working as a training officer at Gambling With Lives, Cregan is determined to use his past as a powerful tool for prevention. He regularly speaks to teenagers, sharing his story to prevent others from experiencing the same hardships. Most recently, he talked to the U16 football team at Welders Football Club, where his message resonated strongly with the young players.
Cregan’s choice to speak with young footballers is particularly significant given the deep ties between football and gambling in Northern Ireland. Much like in neighbouring England, where campaigns like Gambling With Lives’ The Big Step have highlighted the role of betting sponsorships in normalising gambling among sports fans, Northern Ireland’s football clubs are also heavily influenced by the gambling industry.
Despite regulations prohibiting players and staff from betting on NIFL Premiership events, clubs are not barred from partnering with gambling companies. For instance, Linfield FC and Glentoran FC have sponsorship deals with BetMcLean, while the Northern Ireland Football League recently announced a partnership with VBET for the Women’s Premiership League Club.
Outdated Legislation and Calls for Reform
The need for updated gambling legislation in Northern Ireland is becoming increasingly urgent. The region’s current laws do not adequately address online gambling, a rapidly growing sector that has been linked to increasing rates of addiction.
This legislative gap has prompted advocates, including Peter and Sadie Keogh—who lost their son to suicide following his struggle with gambling addiction—to call for reform. Philip McGuigan of Sinn Féin, who himself lost £100,000 to gambling, has also been vocal about the inadequacies of Northern Ireland’s gambling laws, describing them as “light years out of date.”
Gambling Harm as a Public Health Issue
In June, the All-Party Group (APG) on Reducing Harm Related to Gambling released a report urging Northern Ireland to treat gambling harm as a public health issue. Although legislative changes are not expected in the immediate future, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons confirmed that his department is currently conducting a survey to assess the prevalence of gambling in Northern Ireland.
Declan Cregan’s work with Gambling With Lives is a crucial part of the broader effort that should involve government and gambling operators coming together to protect young people from the dangers of gambling. By sharing his story, he hopes to prevent others from walking the same treacherous path he once did.
