Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In the same vein, this is very serious. I have come across couples and families totally broke up by this system where they can bet morning, noon and night online. As has been said, going to the races for a day is a different thing where people have a meal or two in the course of a day. They set out to spend a few bob, they have so much in their pockets and they can cut their cloth according to their measure. They know what they are doing, but at certain times when they are betting online, they lose and they invariably follow that by trying to redeem their loss and the story keeps getting worse. The next thing they have exceeded their credit limit betting with a bookie online.

Everybody is talking about this because it seems to be hitting youngsters and young families the hardest. There are fellas who used to have a flutter on race days or dog race nights. There are people who enjoy that kind of thing and they do it sensibly. However, this has to be curtailed or curbed somehow if this Bill is to mean anything to people who seem to be getting caught up in this. In other words, it must be stopped. It has to be stopped some way or other. Bookies, or institutions, or big bookie companies must be stopped from allowing this type of betting. It cannot be continued. There is no face for these people to look at. When the bookie looks out he knows his clients and he knows the frame of mind they are in. He has a duty, the same as a publican has a duty not to serve any more drink to some fella who is under the weather or has had a bit too much. He must see after him, see him home, tell him he has had enough or ring for someone to come for him. This system that has been developed is totally anonymous and the bookies do not know who they are actually dealing with. That must be stopped if we are to be worth our salt. We must work together to ensure we do something to stop this once and for all. Many people are losing out and hurting. This is hurting relationships and children who are maybe left without food or clothes. It is a very important issue and I thank Deputy Gould for pursuing it.

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