Lawmaker urges to educate students on gambling

MLA Coimhe Archibald has called for programs to advice and guide students to help prevent problem gambling in Northern Ireland.

UK.- Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Coimhe Archibald (Sinn Féin) has urged her pairs to provide more advice and guidance to students in order to avoid problem gambling. The politician referred to reports from the Gambling Commission which show that some students have a £10k gambling debt and is pushing for measures to tackle the issue.

The party’s Higher and Further Education spokeswoman further explained that the student population is “particularly vulnerable” and warned that they are “often targeted by online gambling promotions and gambling stalls are set up at some fresher’s fairs.” She further explained that this type of “aggressive marketing is leading to more people, and especially younger people, becoming involved in gambling.”

Ms Archibald further stated that students may not have budgeted their money like they have to when they receive their student loans and said: “Gambling, and online gambling in particular, is increasingly a cause for concern. More action is needed to minimise risks; students and indeed the public in general, should be educated around gambling and the dangers that exist with it.”

The Sinn Féin Representative also explained that students may see gambling as a way of “getting more money quickly and as a way of dealing with stress and pressure” and urged to provide help and advice to “those affected by gambling.”