GPA want gambling TV ad ban
THE Gaelic Players Association has called on the GAA to ban gambling advertisements from being broadcast during their games.
The players’ body has made formal contact with Croke Park on the issue and says “the GAA would become the first sporting organisation in the world to take such a step” if it were to back the proposal.
Two years ago, the GAA banned all types of sponsorship from gambling companies at its Annual Congress and the GPA says it proposed a motion for this year’s Congress, which takes place at the weekend, though the matter is to be discussed at Central Council level instead.
Essentially, the GPA is seeking that no gambling advertisements be broadcast in commercial breaks during live coverage of Gaelic games and though it is questionable whether the GAA would be able to dictate to broadcasters on a matter such as this, the GPA believes the governing body would have enough heft to do so.
A GPA statement read: “Gambling promotion during GAA games presents a heightened risk to the welfare of all members of the GAA but particularly children and those most vulnerable to the perils of this destructive addiction.”
“The proliferation of online betting and the availability of betting advertising around Gaelic Games has helped develop a worrying cultural issue with gambling in the GAA.”
Elsewhere, ahead of this weekend’s Congress vote on the introduction of a black card to hurling, the GPA has reported that 89 per cent of members polled are against the measure.