Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Gambling addiction is devastating many families, usually behind closed doors. What is a fun activity for some is a devastating, soul-destroying addiction for others. All the while, companies make colossal profits off this unbreakable cycle, particularly when there is a downturn in the economy. The Irish Timesreported that Irish gamblers lost €1.36 billion in 2020, amounting to approximately €300 per adult on average, making the Irish the fourth highest gamblers in the EU.

While the Bill is welcome, it is long overdue, considering that the previous gambling legislation dates from 1956 and 2013. The Bill's main provision is the establishment of the gambling regulatory authority of Ireland. This is welcome and will bring the protection of children and the general public to the fore. Statistics show us that, over consecutive years, the gambling industry has grown extensively and shifted more towards online activity, particularly since the pandemic. It is becoming easier to access. Simply put, someone's phone has become his or her 24-hour bookie. Therefore, it is important for us to recognise and deal with the trending of online gambling and its promotion on social media sites.

I am unclear about the Bill's provisions, particularly under section 138, on the advertising of gambling online. This section seems to ban online gambling adverts unless the person has consented to such an advert, but if a person taps the "Like" or "Follow" button, does this count as a consensual contract to allow gambling ads to come flooding through his or her phone? Will the Minister of State elaborate on this point? Another issue is that gambling companies might not directly advertise online but will still maintain a social media presence through other content, such as memes, sports articles and videos. This is something we need to monitor and respond to. I raised this issue during the recent debates on the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill and tried to amend that Bill to ensure that the new media commission would be statutorily obliged to work with the gambling regulator, and vice versa, to deal with it. The amendment was not accepted, but I hope that both of the relevant Ministers listen to the premise of the argument. These two arms of the State need to work together to deal with the complexities of social media and gambling in order to protect our most vulnerable from the smarts, resources and manoeuvring of multinational gambling corporations and their ability to use legal muscle to circumvent legislation.

Gambling addiction is a road that leads to financial and mental health ruin. It is something that corporate greed profits off, and that is wrong. Robust legislative protections must be in place to counter this. I welcome the Bill. Our gambling legislation is long overdue an overhaul and needs to be brought into the modern era. We are taking a step in the right direction, but I hope that the online gambling section can be made clearer and be scrutinised more on Committee Stage.

I thank the Minister of State for introducing this progressive Bill.

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