'Urgent ban' on sports gambling advertising needed as Covid-19 fed 'hidden epidemic' 

Gambling is now a "hidden epidemic" in Ireland, according to the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland. 

The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland has called for an urgent ban on gambling advertising in sports next year and said tackling gambling addiction through laws and education was needed "now more than ever".

Launching its Gambling Disorder Position Paper, the professional body for psychiatrists said the Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions had fed what was already a "hidden epidemic" around the country, adding it was now a "public health crisis".