The National Lottery and other companies in the gambling industry have been called on to stop advertising during the COVID-19 crisis.
The plea came from Galway East TD Anne Rabbitte who called on media outlets – including social media platforms – to stop promoting gambling at this difficult time.
Deputy Rabbitte said that Ireland has a huge issue with problem gambling at the best of times, with over 40,000 people in the country known to have a gambling addiction.
“Problem gambling is a scourge on society and it literally destroys lives and rips families apart,” said the Fianna Fáil TD.
She said that she believes the temptation to gamble is greater during this time of lockdown and restricted movement as people spend much more time in their homes with immediate access to betting apps and online platforms.
“The situation is not helped when adverts promoting gambling are aired on TV, radio and social media platforms. Notifications from gambling apps and emails are also being used to encourage people to gamble.
“People have enough financial woes to be worrying about without adding problem gambling to the equation,” she added.
