GAA to debate new gambling ban for players

The GAA’s health and wellbeing committee is to table a motion at next February’s Congress which, if passed, would prohibit players from betting on matches and competitions they are involved in.

Amid concern at the sharp rise in problem gambling amongst GAA members, the committee is currently working on the wording of a proposal which would outlaw the practice of club, college and inter-county players placing bets on matches they are participating in.

Two of Ireland’s largest bookmaker firms, Paddy Power and Boylesports, stopped taking bets on underage sports events back in June. But given there are no provisions on gambling in the GAA’s rulebook, players are not restricted from putting down money on their own team, or, indeed, the opposition.