Gambling business needs ombudsman

Sir — I have read Declan Lynch’s recent article on the GAA’s ban on betting company sponsorship and also recent letters to your page on addiction and the dangers of online gambling. Like Declan Lynch, I think the GAA’s decision is the right one. I agree also with your correspondents on the dangers of online gambling.

However, allow me to make a case for the opposition, for gambling per se. Every week many thousands of people spend a few euro on the Irish and European lotteries. Others at weekends might go to the bookies to have a flutter on the horses or on the football. There is nothing wrong with this. It brings a little joy into people’s lives in what can sometimes be a joyless world.

Online gambling is another matter entirely. But it is not a matter of gambling simply in itself. Electronic money has and will become the norm. But, for now, there can be something unreal about it and it can be argued that psychologically we humans are not ready for it.

The story of Tony 10 is a case in point, and did not electronic money play some part in the collapse of our economy some 10 years ago?

As for gambling addiction, I agree with your correspondent that the Government should appoint an ombudsman to oversee the gambling industry and to introduce measures to help those who befall such a fate.

Anthony McDonagh, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan