Paddy Power Betfair discusses Ireland’s gambling ad ban

The company recognises the necessity of a regulatory scheme but insists that a ban is not ideal.

Ireland.- Ireland’s President Michael D Higgins has recently demanded new regulation on sports betting advertisement and gaming promotions for both online platforms and land-based entertainment centres, but Paddy Power Betfair said that while it is important, a ban can actually be avoided.

Higgins believes that a new regulation would protect the “vulnerable players” and set a market with “the integrity of games.” However, Paddy Power Betfair CEO Peter Jackson is against those plans as he believes that a total ban is not the answer to problem gambling. Nevertheless, he said that the company is keen on new regulations.

“We’d like to see some progress made on the [gambling control] bill. We will operate within the framework that’s put in place – that countries and politicians decide. We’ve been a very good supporter of responsible gambling in Ireland,” said Jackson

“Some countries chose to put in place very restrictive legislation,” he added. “We’ve just seen in Italy, where advertising is effectively going to be banned. I’m not sure that necessarily is the right answer.”