Casual gambling is getting out of control
CALLS have been made for new legislation that protects those vulnerable to gambling addiction to be signed into law.
The Gambling Control Bill was published almost four years ago but has yet to be signed into law, giving rise to concerns that those battling gambling addiction or seeking rehabilitation are all the more vulnerable without it.
In the week where Cheltenham horse racing festival held the attention of many, a spotlight was shone on the fact that more and more people, especially young men are developing gambling addictions, fuelled by readily available credit and endless ways to place bets.
Phone apps and online gambling have a huge responsibility for the growing public interest in the practice which for some, cannot be controlled.
Simply because some people cannot control their relationship with gambling, is not a reason to outlaw it, but the fact that they cannot see how this relationship might be becoming unhealthy is the issue. New technology has made gambling so accessible that young people see it as the norm and they see betting on everything from football games to horse racing, as a way to pass the time.
For some, the repercussions of having an unhealthy relationship with gambling can be life altering - the effects of which have been well documented.
However, if this new generation are unaware of the pitfalls, then how can they protect themselves?
Betting providers are on the ball and they are expert in the marketing of their products, to the point where now they are pushing ‘female-friendly’ apps complete with all the bells and whistles of the regular betting apps but wrapped up in pink. This may seem ridiculous but if it hooks in the female demographic then their job is done.
There are millions of Euro being made in this industry at a massive cost to society. These companies don’t care if their customers get hooked on gambling - sure it guarantees that they spend more money doesn’t it?
Because gambling has become the norm in many situations and particularly alongside many sporting events it is more important than ever to raise awareness of how the occasional flutter, if unmanaged can lead the novice gambler down a very dark road.