Fergus Finlay: Minister must not cave in to pressure on long overdue gambling legislation

During every critically important sporting event, every ad break features an ad for gambling

For more than 20 years now, under one of the worst pieces of legislation ever passed in Ireland, the horse racing industry in Ireland has been guaranteed tens of millions of taxpayers’ money every year.

In my professional life I learned enough to know that gambling addiction can hit anyone, and I know the incalculable damage it can do to family life and personal life. 

It’s also one of those hard to see addictions — you’re not visibly “under the influence”. And it’s especially true now that for many addicts the activity has been moved online. It’s an addiction that destroys lives. It’s as powerful as any narcotic for those affected.