Irish sports associations push for ban on gambling ads

The Gaelic Athletic Association and Gaelic Players Association are pushing for new legislation to tackle problem gambling.

Ireland.- Two Irish sports associations have called for new legislation to tackle problem gambling.

The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and the Gaelic Players Association (GPA), which have already introduced their own bans on sponsorship by gambling firms, want national legislation on the matter.

Read more: Illegal gambling in the UK: regulator rejects “exaggerated” claims

They join a growing number of voices calling for a ban, somthing that seems likely to be on the cards in the UK this year.

In December, the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland called for an “urgent ban” on gambling advertising in sports, arguing that Covid-19 was feeding what was already “a hidden epidemic” and “a public health crisis”.

The GPA has been working with broadcasters in a bid to avoiding gambling advertisements appearing during broadcasts of games.

Jennifer Rogers, the GPA’s Player Welfare Manager, said to the Irish News: “That’s something we still will be advocating strongly, in terms of banning advertising during the broadcast of live games.

“It will be prioritised as soon as Covid-19 settles down again. We’re using every opportunity we can to impact change, but our predominant concern is looking after players and making sure the supports are there for them when they need them.”