Ruby Walsh: Common sense required with gambling bill

After all, gambling, like playing the Lotto, is a legal action intended to provide fun with no harm. Intended is not the reality of it, and gambling has always had a downside for some, and it always will.

Bookmakers betting stands on day three of The November Meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse. Pic: David Davies/PA Wire for The Jockey Club.

“The intention of the legislation is to stop flashing ads on the screen of free bets with messages saying, ‘Sign up now’, etc. from bookmakers. It’s designed to prevent impressionable viewers, who may be already susceptible to gambling and/or have addiction difficulties, from being exposed to these advertisements.”

That’s a direct quote from Fianna Fáil TD and the Oireachtas Justice Committee chair, James Lawless. It’s a good quote and forms the basis of what a gambling reform should provide. Only this Bill is trying to be very clear about its intentions for TV broadcasting and leaving the digital platform to the regulator to decide what action needs to be taken.