FLUTTER BANS CREDIT CARDS & INTRODUCES ADVERTISING RESTRICTIONS IN IRELAND

Flutter Entertainment, operator of brands including Paddy Power, Betfair, and Sky Bet, has introduced a range of new measures to make gambling safer in Ireland. 

Specific measures include withdrawing credit cards as a payment option for both online and retail betting, the introduction of a pre-watershed (9pm) whistle-to-whistle advertising ban during live sport, and committing 1% of net gaming revenue (NGR) to fund research, education, and treatment for problem gambling. 

Explaining the new measures Flutter UK & Ireland CEO, Conor Grant, said:

“We recognise that gambling has undergone a technological transformation over the past two decades. The influence of the smartphone, social media, and on-demand streaming has been profound.

“We have not always got it right as an industry and we must ensure collectively that we are doing all we can to prevent problem gambling. The reality is that protection and promotion measures will continue to evolve over time and new measures will need to be considered to promote moderation, safety and enjoyment in this era of digital gambling.”

AYO.NEWS says:

As previously reported, there are growing calls in Ireland for a crackdown on the gambling industry, with several organisations and political parties urging advertising bans, increased taxation, spending limits and other measures to protect vulnerable gamblers. Just last week the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and Gaelic Players Association (GPA) called for betting adverts to be banned during live games. 

Will proactive measures by operators like Flutter be enough to head off more draconian legislation? We doubt it, but at least it shows the industry is now paying attention to social issues. 

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

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