An analysis of consumer protection for gamblers across different online gambling operators in Ireland: a descriptive study

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the responsible gambling tools which are available to online gamblers at Irish online gambling websites. The present study used a similar methodology to a recent study carried out on the world’s most popular websites (Bonello and Griffiths Gaming Law Review and Economics, 21, 278–285, 2017), where 50 of the most advertised online gambling websites were evaluated in relation to their responsible gambling (RG) practices. The present study evaluated 39 gambling websites with either a “.ie” or “.com/ie” domain. Each website was evaluated by checking for a number of RG practices, including presence of a dedicated RG page; age verification; access to gambling account history; the availability of RG tools, such as limit setting facilities and exclusion settings; and links to limit-setting options on the deposit page. Descriptive statistics were then performed on the results from each website. Of the 39 online gambling operators identified, 22 redirected gamblers to a “.com” domain, while 17 operators remained as a “.ie” domain. Thirty-five websites (89.7%) visited had a dedicated RG page. Responsible gambling features were evaluated and demonstrated to be available in an inconsistent manner across online gambling websites. Irish websites were shown to perform poorly in comparison with non-Irish counterparts in the provision of RG tools. The researchers of the present study are not aware of any similar studies conducted to date in Ireland

Addiction Psychiatry and COVID-19 - Impact on patients and service provision.

The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtably had a major impact on the provision of physical healthcare in Ireland and worldwide. The mental health impact of this pandemic cannot be underestimated, particularly relating to patients suffering with addiction. Heightened public stress and anxiety levels, increasing isolation and the physical consequences of addiction play a large role in the proliferation and ongoing relapse of substance misuse and behavioural addiction. Service provision is an ongoing challenge due to the increasing need for services given the increased mental health burden of COVID-19 but also the restrictions in place in clinical areas to achieve social distancing. The necessary adaptations to service provision provide opportunities for the analysis of current processes used in our addiction unit and the introduction of new processes to our service. The current crisis tests the sustainability of the service to provide the high standard of care required for these patients

Fantasy Football (Soccer) Playing and Internet Addiction Among Online Fantasy Football Participants: A Descriptive Survey Study

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to ascertain the levels of possible internet addiction within fantasy football (FF) (soccer) participants and the characteristics of the participants within this group. An online survey of questions regarding characteristics of regular FF participants and consumption of FF-related content was posted on FF internet forums (Reddit and Boards.ie). Self-selecting participants (N = 684) completed the survey containing questions on FF (time spent during weekdays/weekend on FF, gambling on FF, devices used to access FF), internet use (time spent on internet on weekdays/weekends) and an internet addiction screening questionnaire (Chen Internet Addiction Scale). Subgroup analysis was performed on each variable by nationality (Irish, UK and worldwide). Of the 684 participants, 17.5% (diagnostic) and 24.9% (screening) participants met criteria for internet addiction, above the expected level in the general population. The most frequent time spent on FF during weekdays was 30–60 min per day (32.2%) and 1–2 h per day on weekends (29.1%). Over half of participants (50.6%) gambled on FF with the majority (61.3%) gambling once per year and 74.3% of participants gambling less than €50 per year on FF. Avid FF participants demonstrated an increased likelihood of internet addiction compared prevalence rates of previous epidemiological studies among different cohorts. This may be due to FF itself and the increased consumption of FF-related content. Further large-scale nationally representative studies are required to compare regular and casual participants of FF in relation to possible internet addiction.</jats:p

Online gaming and gaming disorder: more than just a trivial pursuit

Gaming disorder is set to be included in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems alongside other behavioural addictions (gambling disorder) and substance-related addictions. Given the popularity of online gaming, this is set to become an increasingly common presentation to general mental health professionals, addiction specialists, and general practitioners. This article briefly examines online gaming and describes the characteristics of gaming disorder. Some features of online gaming that have addictive potential and similarities to other addictive behaviours such as gambling disorder are discussed. Finally, the article examines treatment options available for gaming disorder and treatment going forward from an Irish perspective.</jats:p

Online gaming and gaming disorder: more than just a trivial pursuit.

Gaming disorder is set to be included in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems alongside other behavioural addictions (gambling disorder) and substance-related addictions. Given the popularity of online gaming, this is set to become an increasingly common presentation to general mental health professionals, addiction specialists, and general practitioners. This article briefly examines online gaming and describes the characteristics of gaming disorder. Some features of online gaming that have addictive potential and similarities to other addictive behaviours such as gambling disorder are discussed. Finally, the article examines treatment options available for gaming disorder and treatment going forward from an Irish perspective

Developing a CAMHS Hub Crisis Management Service – the First Six Months

Aims This poster will: 1.Describe the establishment of an acute crisis management service within a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) in the Republic of Ireland. 2.Summarise clinical activity during the first six months of the service and qualitative feedback from service users and clinicians on their experience of the service. Methods In December 2021 the Republic of Ireland Health Service Executive approved the roll out of acute crisis management services for CAMHS – known as Hubs, with a remit to provide intensive brief interventions to support young people experiencing acute Psychiatric crises. Multiple weekly appointments are provided in clinic, at home or via telehealth. The Lucena Clinic CAMHS – based in Counties Dublin and Wicklow, was chosen as a pilot site. Staff were recruited in January 2023 consisting of: 1FTE Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist 1Candidate Advance Nurse Practitioner 1Senior Social Worker 1Senior Occupation Therapist 1Administrator A multi-disciplinary Steering Group was established with a view to planning clinical programs, ensuring safety and governance, procuring resources and embedding service evaluation. The service went live in May 2023. Clinical data was gained from data entry to the service Electronic Patient Record. Qualitative feedback was gained from service users using post-discharge questionnaires and from clinicians using semi-structured interview. Results 1.Between May and December 2023 the Hub received 61 referrals and accepted 35. 2.27 of those accepted were new referrals to the service. 3.Patients received an average of 27.1 hours of clinical intervention during their admission. 4.Shortest admission was 10 hrs, the longest 66.5 hrs. 5.6 young people were seen at home, totalling 41 visits. 6.24 young people were discharged to CAMHS, 2 to GP, 2 to the clinic's Day Program, 3 required in-patient admission. Service user feedback was positive with families highlighting ease of access to the service, intensity of intervention and a friendly environment as positives. One parent remarked that they did not feel the Hub was the right setting for their child's care. Clinician feedback highlighted the Hub as a positive support for community CAMHS with rapid access to intervention and communication from the Hub team mentioned as positives. One drawback identified was the intensity of intervention setting an unrealistic expectation for ongoing care. Conclusion The Hub appears a welcome addition to CAMHS with positive feedback from service users and clinicians. Ongoing development phase and evaluation is required

A descriptive pilot survey of behavioural addictions in an adolescent secondary school population in Ireland

Abstract Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the levels of possible internet addiction, gaming addiction, gambling addiction and associated mental health difficulties in a secondary school population in Ireland. Methods: An online survey containing questions related to internet addiction, gaming addiction, gambling addiction and associated mental health difficulties was administered to secondary school adolescents in Ireland. Participants were self-selecting and answered questions on the characteristics of each topic and screening questionnaires for addiction to each behaviour, as well as their respective effects on mental health. Results: A total of 234 children participated in the survey (156 males; aged 12–18 years; average age of 14.2 years; S.D. 1.60). Internet addiction as assessed using the Chen Internet Addiction Scale was present for between 11.5% and 22.6% and levels of gaming addiction as assessed using by the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale–Short Form was present for between 0.5% and 1.6%. Weak positive correlations were found between time spent on the internet and time spent gaming with internet addiction and gaming addiction, respectively. There were weak positive correlations between higher internet addiction scores, higher gaming addiction scores, and increased depression and anxiety scores. Using the South Oaks Gambling Screen–Revised for Adolescents, two participants were classed as ‘at-risk’ for gambling addiction and one participant was classed as a problem gambler. Conclusions: The present study examined behavioural addictions and their effects on mental health on a self-selecting sample of schoolchildren at two schools in Ireland. A low number were identified as being at risk or problem gamblers. </jats:sec