Spending on gambling has risen significantly amongst young people, with popular sporting events in the first three months of this year underpinning the rise in betting activity.
New figures released by Bank of Ireland show card spending on gambling rose by 19% amongst 18 to 25-year-olds between January and March this year, despite total spending falling marginally by 2%.
More than 70% of bets placed in the first three months of this year were placed by men, with betting activity rising the most in counties Wicklow, up 37%, Kilkenny, up 24% and Limerick, which saw gambling activity rise by 20%.
Among those over 65, betting activity fell by 8%.
