A Labour Party member of the Irish Senate, Marie Sherlock, has called for a total ban on gaming advertising.
She added that bookmakers should not be allowed to operate near schools. The comments come as the Irish government is considering a modernization of its Gambling Regulation Bill. The goal is to create a new gaming regulator with powers to enforce new licensing rules.
The regulator will also control advertising on all media and be in charge of fighting problem gambling, protection of minors, public safety and consumer protection.
During a news talk show, Senator Sherlock criticized the government for taking so long to update the regulations.
“Ultimately, we have been talking about better regulating gambling in this country for a long period of time and we have yet to see comprehensive and firm action,” she said, adding, “So certainly, from our perspective, we need to get on with the gambling regulator and we need to make sure that we ban all gambling advertising – that’s not currently contained within the Government’s bill.” She concluded, “I think it is only then we will begin to start eroding the power and influence of gambling companies in this country and the conditions upon which children develop problem gambling habits.”
