Irish Labour Party demands action to tackle “national epidemic” of gambling-related harm

Irish Labour Party Senator Mark Wall has called on the government to deliver “urgent and decisive action” to combat gambling-related harm as fresh regulation on the Emerald Isle edges closer.

Wall’s comments come after the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 passed through the Seanad (upper house) this week. 

The legislation, which will introduce a ban on gambling ads between 5.30am and 9pm, will return to the Dáil (lower house) before officially being signed into law.  

While acknowledging the progress made by implementing the bill, Wall insisted the government must follow through with what was needed to bring about necessary change.  

He said: “We must acknowledge that the government is finally following Labour’s lead.

“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.” 

Wall, who has remained consistently outspoken about the need for gambling reform in the market, also declared gambling-related harm a “national epidemic” which requires urgent action. 

He continued: “The scale of gambling addiction demands urgent and decisive action. Problem gambling has seeped into every corner of society. We know that 20% 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.” 

Wall also warned that delaying any action could make the problem even worse. 

He concluded: “The truth is that 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 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.” 

The bill’s implementation has been opposed by TV channels Racing TV and Sky Sports Racing given gambling’s strong links to horseracing.

Back in July, Wall called for a blanket ban on gambling advertising altogether, citing Belgium as an example for Ireland to follow.