Local Irish Senator Calls for Gambling Control Bill to Tackle Addicted Players
Problem gambling is something that has reached “alarming proportions” in Ireland, according to a Senator there. Highlighting the particular concern over this during the pandemic lockdowns, Senator Joe O’Reilly has called for the government to introduce a new piece of legislation to the country. This should limit advertisements for gambling and regulate the entire sector, he said.
O’Reilly is a part of the Fine Gael liberal-conservative/Christian-democratic political party of Ireland, and he says that he has spoken of the necessity of a Gambling Control bill each week. At the same time, he has requested the introduction of a new regulatory body to take power over and control the sector.
Recently, the Senator got to have a debate within the Seanad Éireann – the upper house of the Irish legislature – where he pointed out the issues surrounding problem gambling. During that debate, Minister James Browne promised that he would prepare such legislation and make the necessary arrangements to introduce the standalone regulator alongside.
Of the laws that O’Reilly believes should be created, he believes a maximum spend limit on gambling should be set at €100 per day. At the same time, he spoke of the need to end free bets and bonuses, as well as the ability to use credit cards to be able to gamble. This is the same sort of ban that the United Kingdom introduced in 2020. Additionally, O’Reilly clearly stated that the advertising of gambling around sports events “must stop”.
It is the Senator’s intent to continue voicing his opinion on what he determines to be a vital issue. This, he says, will keep happening until proper solutions to tackle problem gambling are introduced to Ireland.
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.
More Regulation News
RELATED TOPICS: Regulation
Latest News
Most Read
Must Read
Interviews
Review this New Post
Leave a Comment
User Comments
Comments for Local Irish Senator Calls for Gambling Control Bill to Tackle Addicted Players