Like pubs, gambling needs regulation to save society from itself

RURAL TDs have warned that the Government’s proposed regulation of the gambling industry could have consequences for the country’s 26 racecourses.

The courses depend on revenue from Racing TV and Sky Sports Racing for much of their income, and the channels have threatened to pull out of Ireland if, as proposed, the new legislation bans gambling ads between 5.30am and 9pm.

The real problem, though, is that such ads are major drivers of problem gambling. Where previous generations had to physically present in a bookmaker’s shop or on a racecourse, to place bets, punters nowadays do not even have to get out of bed, but can just open an app on a smartphone or tablet.

Research by the Economic and Social Research Institute shows that problem gambling has reached the level at which it can be described as a public health emergency, yet the industry itself, for all its public piety, remains defiant in its objections to the proposed new laws that would see the appointment of a gambling regulator, and a cap of €3,000 for top prizes for certain online games.

Regulating the industry does not necessarily have to result in a stagnation in its growth, but responsible gambling must be at the heart of that growth. The situation as it currently exists has been described by Minister of State James Browne as the Wild West, and it is hard to disagree.

The harm that is done is immense, as in the case of former Gorey post office employee Tony O’Reilly, who was sentenced to four years in prison for stealing €1.75m from An Post in order to feed what was an addiction, not merely a habit. As he warns, grooming of young people, even children, to get involved in online gambling is not a ticking timebomb, but already a serious social harm that has built up right under the noses of society.

The Government is not only within its rights but it is also within its responsibilities to impose new controls.

There needs to be a recognition that no one is trying to ban fun, or undermine crucial industries like horse racing or racecourses, but we cannot ignore social ills caused by gambling, or fail to hold gambling companies to account as they make huge profits. We already have laws that say bar staff are not allowed to serve a drunk person any more alcoholic beverages. The same basic standard has to apply in the gambling industry if it is to have a future in a rightthinking society.

We accept the point that there might be consequences for racecourses, and hopefully some compromise can be reached.

We fully believe, though, in proper oversight and policing, and that the only way forward is through new laws to eliminate the scourge of homes and families broken by this insidious addiction.