Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I hear what the Minister of State is saying but people in addiction services, those who have family members affected by gambling and those who are in recovery tell us that these free bets, even if they are free to everyone, are a hook to get people into gambling. We have met with the people on the ground and that is what they have told us. The Minister of State made a point about giving companies the opportunity to be able to do promotions. He spoke very passionately last week about the issues we have with gambling. I am not sure whether he used the word "tsunami" but he certainly emphasised how serious the problem is. Why, then, would we allow these companies to offer free bets? If people want to gamble, they know where the betting offices are and where to gamble online. It is very easy to find. If the Minister of State went on his phone now and had a form of ID such as his passport or driver's licence he could be signed up to an online gambling account in a minute. I have my driver's licence on my phone and could probably set up an account with one of the companies within minutes.

Promotions encourage people and are a way of pulling them in. When you go on holidays and walk past a bar you see offers of free shots or two for one drink offers to try to get people in. This is the same thing. These free bets try to get people buy in, become a member and sign up to gambling companies. Once they do so, they are in. I hear the point the Minister of State is making in that he is trying to protect vulnerable people and those at risk, and I respect that. However we also need to protect young people and people who do not gamble. The minute a person turns 18 there are these inducements. A sixth year student, first-year college student, apprentice or person working in a café or restaurant could be offered a free €20 or €30 bet, and not just by one company but by all of the companies.

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