PRESSURE MOUNTS FOR MORE GAMBLING ADVERTISING RESTRICTIONS IN IRELAND

The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland has called problem gambling a “public health crisis” and urged more controls or bans on gambling advertising. 

Compiled by the College’s Faculty of Addiction Psychiatry, the report also highlights the ongoing national lockdown restrictions, implemented in response to the COVID-19 crisis, as a contributing factor in the growth of the problem. 

Specifically, the report says that increased loneliness and the switch to home working is causing people to kill time by gambling on online platforms. 

The report recommends a five pronged response to address the “hidden epidemic”, consisting of public education, new laws, advertising controls, recovery programs, and more research. 

Discussing the report, lead author and addiction specialist, Professor Colin O’Gara, 

“We cannot continue to ignore the links between problem gambling and the current high volume of betting ads – be that in traditional TV ads or on team jerseys and side-line banners.

“Much like tobacco, in 10 years I think we will look back on the proliferation of gambling advertising in sport and entertainment and ask ourselves how we let it get so out of control. Currently, gambling advertising in Ireland is much too common and, critically, occurs before the adult television watershed.”

While President of the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland, Dr William Flannery, added:

“Even in the absence of live sports, people are finding it difficult to avoid triggers, with increased visibility of online gambling ads and the rollout of new betting platforms.We need to support people with tighter controls and responsible gambling measures inbuilt in the industry.”

The paper concluded that:

“All gambling advertising-related activity should be closely monitored by an independent regulator. The independent regulator should be aware of the influence social media advertising can have on children and adolescents” and “the independent regulator should also be aware of the use of micro-transactions and loot boxes in online gaming, described as ‘virtual games of chance’.”

AYO.NEWS says:

It seems quite clear that the tide across Europe is going one way, and that the writing is on the wall for gambling advertising. Just last week we saw Belgium introduce strict new gambling advertising rules for football. The only real question seems to be the order in which other countries will follow the lead of Italy and Spain. 

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