Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The gambling control Bill is the legislation best suited to dealing with this issue and I am frustrated by its delay. However, it is appropriate that there should be a report on gambling addiction and those susceptible to it, given that the Betting (Amendment) Bill will be enacted shortly. I repeat the point I made on Committee Stage to the effect that it is wrong to see gambling only as something involving Boylesports, Paddy Power and other high street betting shops and intermediates. Gambling also involves the State as it encourages and facilitates people to gamble through the national lottery. People gamble every day on the national lottery and spend a great deal on scratch cards that some people find very addictive, which is another area of concern. It is important that there be a report to feed into the gambling control Bill but it is also important that the State understands that it is a beneficiary of gambling, not only through VAT reaped from high street bookies and intermediates but directly through the national lottery.

I am not suggesting the State should try to stop people playing lotto, daily millions or scratch cards but the State must face its responsibilities by understanding that not everyone who plays lotto or buys scratch cards can afford to do so. Some people are chasing a dream they will never realise, some cannot afford this gambling and some have an addiction. I know of cases where people wait for the weekend to spend much of their wages on scratch cards. Those that profit most from this industry should foot the bill but I understand that bookmakers are the only ones that fund gambling addiction services in the State, though I am open to correction. It is equally important that the State recognises its role in facilitating gambling. As I said before, I have placed many bets on sports, horses, roulette, casino tables and so on and this can be enjoyable but many people are addicted and need help. It is important that all involved in profiting from, encouraging or facilitating gambling are held accountable for the consequences.

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