Mark Wall (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that No. 13 be taken before No. 1. I refer to the Gambling (Prohibition of Advertising) Bill 2021 on the Order Paper.The purpose of this Bill is to prohibit in the public interest the advertising of gambling subject to some limited exceptions. I acknowledge that the Leader has arranged a debate with the Minister on the forthcoming gambling legislation on Friday next. I also acknowledge that colleagues on every side of this House have spoken previously of the urgent need for legislation on gambling to be enacted. However, I am asking that this House supports this legislation which, in my party's opinion and in the opinion of those working with those who have developed a gambling addiction, is urgently needed.

A 2019 survey estimated that as a country we spend €9.8 billion on gambling every year - the seventh highest per head of population in the world and the equivalent of €379.51 for every person in this country. Over the past number of months and in advance of introducing this Bill, I have spoken to so many people who have lost their homes and their families because of their gambling addiction and debt. They would tell you that they are still tempted by these advertisements that they read on their laptops and on their mobile phones, and, indeed, in the newspapers. Recently, we in the Labour Party, in advance of introducing this Bill, carried out our own survey, called "Beat the Ads". The results were worrying, indicating that 75% of respondents knew somebody who had a problem with gambling. The results of this survey indicate that 80% of respondents have noticed an increase in the number of gambling advertisements. Other surveys have found that there is a 75% chance of seeing a gambling advertisement during any sports event being shown on our television screens. These are odds that nobody should have to face while enjoying sport. The issue here is, of course, that the gambling companies have tried with much success to normalise the relationship between sport and gambling. They want us to think it is okay to have a bet, that all one's friends are doing it, it is a great social occasion and one will not enjoy that match, race or any sporting event unless one has a bet. The reality is, of course, that those who develop a gambling habit most of the time gamble in complete isolation, keeping their addiction away from their loved ones with the reality of the problem only coming to light, the experts will tell you, when it is too late and much damage and heartache has already been done.

Of course, my party's Bill does not set out to ban those who want and can afford to have a bet. It is, however, an attempt to break the stranglehold that the gambling companies have on how we enjoy sport in this country. It is an attempt to reduce the normalisation of sport and betting that these companies send through our screens and print in ever increasing numbers. We need to protect our younger population and an ever increasing percentage of our female population who are being targeted by gambling companies day in, day out. I look forward to Members supporting this Bill and ensuring its passage through the Oireachtas as quickly as possible. I also look forward to the Minister coming before us on Friday to debate this and many other problems in this industry at this time.