McCreevy should ban betting by children

WE need to take a long, hard look at Ireland’s policy, recently reasserted, of having no age limit on gambling with the State-run tote which allows children to place bets at greyhound and horse tracks.

With the exception of the State-run tote, all other forms of gambling in Ireland are banned for persons under 18 years. These bans are rigorously enforced.

Video evidence exists of children as young as four placing bets with the State-run tote. It is not uncommon for birthday, Christmas and first communion money to wind up in the State tote.

For years EU Commissioner Charlie McCreevy, as Minister for Finance, refused to amend the Tote Act to outlaw child betting.

I have asked him in the European parliament whether he will now, even at this late stage, support restrictions on child betting online, at tracks, in bookies, on airplanes or anywhere this insidious practise occurs.

Cathy Sinnott MEP

European Parliament

Strasbourg