Crowe raises gambling addiction with the Taoiseach

Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD, Seán Crowe, raised the issue of gambling addiction with the Taoiseach in the Dáil this week.

Crowe highlighted the negative affect that gambling addiction has on thousands of families in Ireland and asked the Taoiseach if he would support legislation which would stop the glamorisation of gambling and introduce a health warning related to gambling activities.

Deputy Crowe said:

“There is urgent need for legislation which would address the glamorisation of gambling and help to curb gambling addiction, which is negatively affecting thousands of families and individuals across the state.

“I am aware that it is Cheltenham week and many punters will enjoy the atmosphere and place modest bets on the races. However many others, from all walks of society, have a gambling problem or addiction that will negatively affect their families and loved ones. The easy accessibility and normalisation of online and offline betting is a curse for many families and individuals.

“In some other EU countries there is a health warning following gambling advertisements, which alerts the viewer to the dangers that gambling can actually cause. We need to follow suit in Ireland and update our laws and regulate advertisements in this area.

“I welcome that the Taoiseach recognises that gambling addiction is a very serious issue and that extensive work is being done to bring legislation on this issue forward. He also stated that he will update the Dáil on the progress of this legislation soon.

“Gambling online and offline can bring short term joy to some, but unfortunately, many lives have been left destroyed by this addiction. It is time that we finally legislate and tackle the gambling addiction crisis that we are facing as a society.”