Gambling ads are not fair game

ACCUSATIONS that Ireland is a “Wild West” when it comes to gambling regulation is not too far wide of the mark.

This country is suffering the highest betting losses in Europe and this must act as a wake-up call to the Government.

Simply slapping more tax on betting as suggested by Junior Business Minister John Halligan is not enough to stop what is becoming a growing addiction crisis for many individuals and families.

Despite many promises the Government has failed to legislate in allowing the large online betting platforms the freedom to more or less regulate themselves.

In the past week the co-founder of Paddy Power Stuart Kenny has claimed gambling advertising and sponsorship is “normalising” betting for children.

Youngsters are being exposed to adverts for online gambling sites on an almost daily basis and during the World Cup in Russia children were bombarded with these commercials during almost every break.

The promotion of these sites on the shirts of Premier League clubs is also bound to influence young minds.

Companies are not spending vast amounts on money on this sponsorship without expecting a huge return on their investment and that comes in the form of increased numbers on their betting platform.