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The Northern Ireland gambling prevalence survey statistical first release is published.

The Northern Ireland Gambling Prevalence Survey Statistical First Release was published by the Department for Social Development today.
~ Monday, 6 December 2010

Some of its key findings include:

  • 75.3% of respondents had taken part in some form of gambling within the past 12 months.
  • The most popular form of gambling in Northern Ireland is The National Lottery, 51.0% of people had participated in this form of gambling within the past 12 months.
  • One quarter of the population had not gambled in the past 12 months (24.7%).
  • 77.9% of respondents who played The National Lottery would spend money on this activity at least once a month. 52.5% did so at least once a week.
  • 84.4% were classified as non-problem gamblers (this includes respondents who have never gambled at all or have not gambled within the past 12 months).
  • The survey returned 2.2% as classified as problem gamblers. (This compares to 0.6% in Great Britain in the 2007 GB Gambling Prevalence Survey).
  • From the responses received, 67.4% had an unfavourable attitude to gambling. 23.8% had a favourable attitude while 8.8% had a neutral attitude.
  • 61.1% disagreed/strongly disagreed that bookmakers should be allowed to open on a Sunday. 25.6% agreed/strongly agreed. For bingo halls, 49.1% disagreed/strongly disagreed on Sunday opening and 25.7% agreed/strongly agreed.

Notes for editors:

  1. The 2010 Northern Ireland Gambling Prevalence Survey is the first survey of this type in Northern Ireland.
  2. The bulletin is available on the Department for Social Development’s website at http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/index/stats_and_research.htm. Hard copies are available from the Analytical Services Unit, Department for Social Development, Level Four, James House, 2 Cromac Avenue, Gasworks Business Park, Ormeau Road, Belfast, BT7 2JA.
  3. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9496. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.

Please Note:
Analytical Services Unit (DSD) aim to provide customers with the information they require and in a format that is most suitable to meet customers needs. If you have any comments in relation to the content of the bulletin or the format in which it is released please contact Analytical Services Unit on (028) 9081 9956.