Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will begin by acknowledging that this Bill represents a significant step forward in the context of addressing the issue of gambling in Ireland. I take the opportunity to recognise the selfless and tireless work of the countless individuals and families who have highlighted the harms caused by gambling. We are here because they spoke up and refused to allow this harm to continue.

There can be no doubt that an overhaul of the regulation of gambling in the State is long overdue. Research produced by H2 Gambling Capital has continually recorded Ireland as having among the highest gambling losses not only in the EU but across the globe. It is estimated that Irish gamblers lost €1.36 billion in 2020. That is an average of about €300 per adult. When we consider that many people do not participate in gambling, we can see that the average figure per gambler is much higher.

According to the Health Research Board, an estimated 12,000 adults are problem gamblers and a further 125,000 are considered to be at-risk gamblers. In addition, its study shows that more than one in ten men who have gambled in the past year are either at-risk or problem gamblers. This figure increases to one in five among younger cohorts. The study also shows that at-risk problem gambling appears to be more strongly associated with poor social economic status and those who live in areas that are less affluent.

Problem gambling destroys lives, families and communities. Sinn Féin is unequivocal in its firm belief that gambling companies require significant regulation and the presence of an empowered regulator. This Bill in its current form completely oversteps that. As currently drafted, the Bill conflates fundraising lotteries with gambling despite there being no evidence of gambling harm provided there to justify such onerous regulations. Such sweeping measures would see considerable barriers to funding for local sports clubs, hospices, charities, Tidy Towns groups and other community organisations. These same organisations are very often forced to fundraise in the first instance because of a lack of service or a lack of support from the Government.

I put it to the Minster of State that there is broad agreement that gambling companies require significant regulation and the presence of an empowered regulator, but the Bill oversteps in that regard and will cause undue hardship for local organisations just trying to keep the lights on. I again call on the Government to engage with Sinn Féin and others who have expressed very real concerns. I ask the Minister of State to work with us to deliver legislation that will deliver for ordinary people, volunteer organisations, and those in recovery, while preserving jobs and protecting sources of fundraising.