Senator raises need for gambling control Bill
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A local Senator has said that problematic gambling has reached "alarming proportions" particularly online during the Covid pandemic.
Senator Joe O'Reilly is urging the government to introduce legislation aimed at limiting advertising and regulating the sector.
Over recent months, the Fine Gael man says that "on an almost weekly basis" he has raised the need for a Gambling Control Bill, as well as a resourced and empowered Gambling Regulator.
Senator O'Reilly succeeded in having a special debate on Problem Gambling in the Seanad recently, where Minister James Browne committed to prepare such legislation and arrange to create and appoint a standalone regulator.
"Problem gambling has reached alarming proportions particularly with an exponential growth in online gambling during the pandemic. It is destructive of physical and mental health, families, employment, and personal financial well-being," says the local Fine Gael representative, who believes advertising of gambling around sports events "must stop".
He further believes free bets, bonuses and the use of credit cards must also end.
"The National Lottery only accept debit cards. Just as there are health warnings with cigarettes, similarly we should have warnings online alongside gambling products. The industry should pay a social levy to fund the treatment of gambling addiction," proposed Senator O'Reilly.
He also believes there should be a maximum spend limit in any one day. He proposes €100 as a maximum.
It is expected that the Gambling Control Bill will be published this Autumn, while it is projected that the Regulator will be appointed with a staff of 100 circa January 2023.
Senator O'Reilly insists he will keep raising this "vital societal issue" until he says "solutions are fully in place".
