Paddy Power limits its sports betting offer in Ireland

The bookmaker has announced it will no longer accept bets on under-18s sports fixtures and competitions in Ireland.

Ireland.- Paddy Power announced it will no longer accept bets on under-18s sports fixtures and competitions in Ireland.

“Despite offering these markets for years it’s never come up as a contentious issue before,” said Paddy Power in a statement. “Some people wanted to bet on U-18s sports so we responded to that demand,” it said in a statement. Those customers may be disappointed that they will no longer be able to bet on these sports, especially when they’re on TV or high-profile matches, but we understand that there is a general concern around the issue so we have responded.”

The Gaelic Players’ Association (GPA), which is the body that represents professionals in Ireland’s Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) contests, has welcomed the decision, after going through a period of concern over gambling addition with GAA players.

“Gambling addiction has been identified as a growing concern for county footballers and hurlers over the past number of years, with 2015 showing the highest growth in numbers presenting with gambling addiction,” said the GPA.“As well as the immense reputational damage and personal devastation gambling addiction can have on a player and those close to him, the issue poses a very real threat to the reputation of inter-county football and hurling in general if the integrity of the games is compromised.”