Professor fires back at Flutter chief Peter Jackson for criticism of survey findings

[The Buzz]

A professor from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has upheld the institute's findings on the extent of problem gambling in Ireland, following scrutiny from the head of Flutter Entertainment, the owner of Paddy Power.

Professor Pete Lunn, representing the Behavioural Research Unit of the ESRI, affirmed to the Business Post that he stands by the published figure of 1-in-30 adults, considering it the most accurate estimate of problem gambling in Ireland.

From the Business Post:

Lunn said that Jackson’s criticism of the work was based on an out of date source.

Jackson said Flutter had “different data” and referred to an NHS survey which found that the problem gambling risk among the total population was 0.4 per cent (or 1-in-250) when speaking to reporters last week.

“We'd say this generally correlates with our own experience tracking both in the UK and Ireland,” Jackson said.

“This ESRI report, I haven’t seen it myself, I understand that it seems to suggest that gambling is a bigger societal issue than our real-life experience or any of independent research that we've seen would indicate,” he added.

Asked for his reponse to Jackson, Lunn said: “The low figure quoted by Mr Jackson from a UK survey is old. In fact, the UK Gambling Commission’s most recent estimate of problem gambling, based on a different method, is much higher and similar to ours.

“The issue of different survey methods giving different results is addressed in two ESRI reports published in 2023. Our conclusion, as independent researchers, is that the higher figures are more likely to reflect reality, because the survey methods used gave people anonymity. When responses are anonymous, people are more willing to admit how much they gamble.”

Read more here: https://www.businesspost.ie/news/esr...ief-criticism/

[justangel]

The reality is that gambling is starting to become a problem. Lately i noticed element of gambling included in games for teens, so for the under 18. More than that, they are advertised and promoted by the developers of the games. I am not going to point them out, but this is a major issue. So probably, the results are even higher.

[DaftDog]

The reality is that gambling is starting to become a problem. Lately i noticed element of gambling included in games for teens, so for the under 18. More than that, they are advertised and promoted by the developers of the games. I am not going to point them out, but this is a major issue. So probably, the results are even higher.

You should always back up your claims with some evidence.

[justangel]

You should always back up your claims with some evidence.

Due to the legal case against the company, i am not allowed to share the info. However, a simple qoogle search can provide you with the companies and facts. Protect your kids!