Ireland’s New Gambling Act May Limit Ulster GAA’s Fundraising Efforts

Similarly to the UK, Ireland recently initiated an overhaul of its gambling regulations. Back in October, the Dáil passed a landmark bill that aimed at strengthening gambling regulations, addressing key concerns related to problem gambling.

The bill also sought to combat illegal gambling and create an independent statutory gambling body. While the Gambling Regulation Act seeks to introduce positive changes it also raised concerns about its potential impact on GAA clubs and county boards.

Gambling Ad Restrictions May Affect Non-profit Organizations

Earlier this week, Ulster GAA, the provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, handball and camogie in the province of Ulster, released its annual report. In the report, Brian McAvoy, Ulster GAA’s secretary, addressed a number of important topics, including the recently passed gambling legislation.

Per the new regulations, gambling advertisements will be restricted. Effectively, the legislation prohibits ads airing on radio, TV or on-demand services between 5:30 AM and 9:00 PM. This affects gambling games where maximum winnings exceed €10,000 ($10,300). While the restrictions seek to reduce the possibility of underage individuals viewing gambling ads, they may impact not-for-profit organizations just like the GAA, McAvoy explained.

Ulster GAA’s secretary said that it was disappointing that the GAA wasn’t added to the list of exceptions that consists of charitable and philanthropic organizations. McAvoy wrote about the importance of supporting clubs and county fundraising through drawings, adding that people who engage in such activities do so “to lend support to the venture which will invariably be to the benefit of the entire community.”

“While fully appreciating the desire to limit media exposure to commercial gambling outlets and companies, especially amongst young people, it is disappointing that the Association’s efforts to include not-for-profit community organizations, like the GAA, to be included in the group of ‘exceptions,’ alongside charitable and philanthropic bodies, were not taken on board by the Government,“

explained Brian McAvoy in Ulster GAA’s annual report

The GAA Helps in the Fight Against Gambling Harm

Ulster GAA’s secretary acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the GAA with Gambling with Lives, the leading charity, in addressing potential risks of excessive gambling and raising awareness. He added: “Feedback has been hugely positive, and Ulster GAA will continue to work with the GAA at national level and with suitable partners as policy develops in this area.”

McAvoy mentioned the efforts of the Stormont All Party Group on Gambling Harms that encourage the recognition of problem gambling as a public health issue. The executive highlighted a recently released report that warned about the impact of gambling.

According to McAvoy, the report, “Code Red: Young People and their Exposure to Gambling Marketing through Media and Live Sport on the Island of Ireland,” by YouGaMSI painted a “damning picture.” The secretary also confirmed that Ulster GAA will continue to collaborate with experts and the national GAA in an effort to combat problem gambling and harm.