Ulster GAA Expresses Concern Over Gambling Regulation Act
Ulster GAA has expressed disappointment with Ireland’s Gambling Regulation Act, highlighting its exclusion from key exemptions. The organisation warns that the new restrictions could undermine crucial fundraising efforts supporting Gaelic games and community initiatives.
Exclusion from Fundraising Exceptions
The Irish government’s Gambling Regulation Act, effective since October, restricts advertising prize draws over €10,000 during peak hours on television and other audiovisual media.
Ulster GAA Secretary Brian McAvoy criticised the exclusion of the GAA from exemptions granted to other not-for-profit organisations, such as charitable and philanthropic bodies.
“When individuals purchase tickets for club or county fundraising draws, their motivation is not primarily the prospect of winning but the desire to contribute to ventures that benefit the entire community,” McAvoy explained.
Challenges to Community Development
The GAA operates as a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven organisation, supporting local sports facilities, youth development, and community events.
McAvoy warned that the new restrictions threaten these essential fundraising efforts, undermining the role of the GAA in fostering community spirit across Ireland.
Efforts to Address Gambling Harm
While acknowledging the need to limit gambling advertising, McAvoy praised the government’s commitment to tackling gambling harm, particularly among young people.
He highlighted the GAA’s collaboration with the Gambling with Lives charity and referenced the troubling findings of the YouGaMSI report, Code Red: Young People and their Exposure to Gambling Marketing through Media and Live Sport on the Island of Ireland.
A New Regulatory Era
Ireland’s upcoming gambling regulator, set to become operational in late 2025, will oversee licensing, advertising, and player protection under the Gambling Regulation Act. This marks a significant step towards modernising gambling oversight and addressing social harms.
