Gambling: an Irish perspective

Gambling legislation in Ireland has not been amended for the last several decades. The proposed Gambling Control Bill 2013 provides the opportunity to enact a bill in accordance with the current trends in gambling. The classification of Gambling Disorder in DSM 5 under Substance Use Disorders in 2013 highlights the addiction potential of gambling and the perils associated with the same. This editorial discusses the prevalence of gambling disorders, its societal implications, mental health conditions co-morbid with gambling disorders, screening tools available for gambling disorders, and the treatment options available for gambling disorders at present. Furthermore, factors to be considered before enacting the proposed Gambling Control Bill 2013 into legislation have also been discussed.