Gambling addiction has reached "epidemic proportions" with more than 2,000 addicts attending counselling sessions every week.
Gamblers Anonymous Ireland has confirmed more than 100 group sessions are held weekly -- more than double that 10 years ago.

The group said more meetings were to be introduced in the coming weeks to cater for the demand as the problem had reached "epidemic proportions".

The support service said the addiction was shared across both sexes, with hundreds of women seeking help, particularly for compulsive spending in bingo halls and casinos, as well as wasting their life savings on scratchcards.

It also confirmed more than half of those who start sessions do not last the course, and, unable to conquer their addiction, drop out and return to their old ways. A spokesman said some pay the ultimate price by taking their own lives.

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