Kildare Senator: “Scale of gambling addiction demands change”

The Athy-based politician said that gambling addiction is ‘a silent but destructive affliction’

A Kildare-based Senator has called for immediate action following the passage of the Gambling Bill through the Seanad yesterday.

Labour Party Senator Mark has previously been vocal in his call for legislation to target gambling: last year, he reiterated his call for a full ban on gambling ads.

Of particular note, Senator Wall said: "You can’t look at a video on YouTube without being directed to gamble, you can’t use a free app on your phone without facing these ads."

Explaining his position yesterday, Senator Wall said: "The scale of gambling addiction demands urgent and decisive action. Problem gambling has seeped into every corner of society, we know that 20 per cent of those admitted to the Rutland Centre’s outpatient services are tackling this issue.

"This is not an isolated problem, but a national epidemic."

"We know that gambling addiction touches all communities, and we cannot underestimate its impact on individuals and families; it is a silent but destructive affliction, and the scale is clear for all to see."

He continued: "The gambling industry has intentionally cultivated a deep association between major sports events and betting. When we watch a match, we’re inundated with ads reminding us to download gambling apps or to 'put a few bob on the score.'

"This constant bombardment creates a normalised link between sport and gambling in the minds of viewers, which is particularly harmful.

"We must acknowledge that the government is finally following Labour’s lead; in 2021, we introduced the Gambling (Prohibition of Advertising) Bill, which aimed to remove gambling advertisements from our screens and public spaces, detaching this predatory industry from everyday enjoyment, whether it be sport, politics, or entertainment.

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"Our Bill sought to protect vulnerable individuals and families by severing the connection between gambling and ordinary, everyday activities. Labour has been at the forefront of this effort."

The Athy-based politician further said: "With the passage of the Gambling Bill in the Seanad, we have progress, but this must be the beginning, not the end.

"The government needs to swiftly implement and strengthen this legislation to bring about real change... gambling addiction is a public health crisis, and we need robust, well-resourced supports in place for those suffering.

He also said: "The longer we delay, the more people will fall victim to the aggressive marketing tactics of the gambling industry; we cannot afford to be complacent.

"We in Labour are urging the government to waste no time in implementing the provisions of the Gambling Bill."

"It is time to move beyond rhetoric and deliver real change that will protect our communities from the scourge of gambling addiction," Senator Wall concluded.

Senator Mark Wall of the Labour Party. File photograph.