Irish spokesman calls for government to take "brave stance" and ban gambling adverts

[The Buzz]

Labour sports spokesperson Mark Wall has urged Government to take a brave stance and call for an outright ban on gambling ads as gambling legislation is set to be debated in the Justice Committee this week, saying the government must "stop dragging its feet on regulating the industry."

From Labour.ie:

Senator Wall said:

“In print, broadcast, on social media, people are bombarded with gambling ads nonstop. The sheer volume of these ads is having a huge impact on people vulnerable to gambling addiction. We need to tackle this through legislation like Labour’s Bill to ban the ads.

“However, Government has an opportunity this week as it’s own Gambling Regulation Bill is set for scrutiny at the Oireachtas Justice Committee.

“It’s clear from stakeholders that the legislation as it currently exists will not be fit for purpose. Too much grey area remains, with key elements left purposely vague. We cannot allow the betting industry to capture this piece of legislation that aims to regulate an industry that is currently a law onto itself.

“The Government’s new gambling control bill will impose a ban on all gambling advertising between 5.30am and 9pm, but we need to see more ambition and go the full way.

“Unfortunately for those experiencing gambling addition, this does not go away after 9pm. From the moment we get up in the morning to the moment we go to sleep at night, the gambling companies know they have us in their grip.

Read more here: https://labour.ie/news/2023/07/09/ga...led-to-a-halt/
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[cameronmurphy63]

While I agree it's a good initiative, those who want to gamble will still find ways to do so. With the same reasoning, smoking adverts where banned but people still smoke.

[Pokerface]

This proposal is inevitable and will eventually happen similar to other industries, such as tobacco and alcohol in some countries. It will be best for the industry to prepare for the eventuality and start thinking about how best to redirect marketing funds to creative opportunities.

Having been through this in another industry those that adapt the quickest will be the strongest.

[junfranciscosantos11]

I don't think it's a hindrance to those who gamble. Whoever wants to do it will find a way.

[mickyfu]

I can't really speak for Ireland as unfortunately I have never visited. However I can't help but assume it is somewhat like in Great Britain (someone correct me if I am wrong).

In Great Britain, there are many seaside towns / caravan sites / UK holiday resorts, where gambling is pushed upon children. Be them the penny slot machines, the teddy bear grabbers and so on, all of this has always been the root cause of gambling addiction. However the UKGC completely overlook this fact. It was only in 2021 that they upped the age of the National Lottery and Scratch card sales from 16 to 18. Yet however we can look back to 2017 or so when a whole stink was caused over Sky Vegas.

My question. Why are the UKGC not concerned about these breeding grounds for gambling addiction? The simple truth is because they do not care about gambling addiction. These thousands upon thousands of licensed land based venues that allow children to gamble, all pay their license fees. They are also not worthy of targeting with multi-million pound fines.

The whole licensing extortion stinks. If they had any care for problem gamblers, they would nip it in the bud where it starts.

Anyone from the UK could look at Blackpool and know exactly what is there, one of the biggest problem gambling areas in the UK, yet nobody cares. Why? No money!

[newcustomeroffer]

Watched this youtube video from Irishracing.com in the week which touched on the advertising ban from 6 minutes or so in, plus some other really interesting Irish (and UK) challenges for the industry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeDO4spkHCU