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2 clusters · 3 sources · 1 days · First seen · Last updated

Gambling addiction rise in Portugal

Overview

Portugal has seen a significant rise in gambling addiction, with the number of individuals seeking treatment increasing from 358 in 2023 to 782 in 2025, a 118% increase.

To address this growing issue, the Lisbon Gambling Intervention Unit was established as the country’s first public unit dedicated to treating gambling disorder. In its first three months of operation, the unit treated 50 patients. Joana Teixeira, president of the Institute for Addictive Behaviors and Dependencies (ICAD), noted that cases include individuals with debts as high as three million euros.

Demographic data shows that the majority of those seeking help are men, particularly young men under the age of 25. Of the 50 patients treated by the new unit, only six were women, who tend to be older on average. ICAD is currently investigating whether factors such as stigma contribute to the lower rate of women seeking treatment.

Entities

Lisbon Gambling Intervention Unit · Institute for Addictive Behaviors and Dependencies · Joana Teixeira · United Nations

Timeline

  1. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Lisbon gambling addiction unit treats 50 patients in first three months

    Portugal’s new public gambling addiction unit has treated 50 patients in three months, amid a 118% rise in demand for treatment services reported by ICAD.

  2. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Housing struggles in Cape Verde and rising gambling addiction in Portugal

    Cape Verdean families struggle with inadequate housing rights, while Portugal sees a 118% increase in gambling addiction treatment seekers.

Sources

correiodamanhacanada.com · ominho.pt · sapo.pt