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.

Addiction counsellor and former Galway hurler Justin Campbell, who is also a member of the health and wellbeing committee, says now is the time to act in introducing the proper preventatives rules.

“I believe we could be in crisis territory in five years time if we don’t put in place rules and regulations. Now is the time to start responding before it is too late,” he remarked.

“The health and wellbeing committee are bringing a submission to Congress in February that no player would be allowed gamble on any of his own competitions, be it club or county.

“This is a step forward, but it is probably only the first step. In fairness to Croke Park, they’re not shirking responsibility.”

Campbell believes top-level players are more likely to be “caught up” by gambling, as opposed to drugs or alcohol, as there are no physical ramifications.

“It is something we need to look at, especially for players that are now so meticulous in how they train. Alcohol and drugs have a major physical effect, but gambling doesn’t physically impact on the body.

“Placing a bet may be an easier out or way to relax and blow off a bit of steam. That is why placing a bet is more appealing to sporting players that have to watch their diets and their bodies.”

This recommendation, should it receive the green light from delegates, would also lessen the threat of match-fixing within the GAA.

“There is always a fear that people, down the line, may back the opposition to win. If that happens, then the integrity of the sport is damaged.

“I am not saying for a second that this is going on, but this would affect every part of the game in so far as being successful as a team and having boundaries.”

Campbell does accept that their proposal, if introduced, would be difficult to police.

“We do have to highlight gambling and create awareness of it. We need team managers to be aware of the conversations that are taking place between players.

“If a player likes a betting company just once on Facebook then that company will constantly come up on his Facebook timeline. For a gambler, they are all triggers.

“I was listening to the radio yesterday morning and someone was saying that you could have backed Donald Trump at 4/1 the night before. On radio and television, there seems to be mention of betting companies left, right and centre. Everything has nearly got to do with a betting culture.”

Gambling legislation was last introduced in this country in 1956. A report on the prevalence of drug use and gambling in Ireland by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs and Alcohol, published yesterday, showed 51.6% of males aged 15-24, during August 2014 and August 2015, had engaged in at least one act of gambling.

“I’m seeing fellas at 19, 20 and 21 getting their hands on credit cards, who are in college away from mam and dad, there is a bit of freedom and they’ve escalated a huge amount of debt very quickly.

“This is a society problem more so than a GAA problem. It just happens that there are GAA players involved and we are trying to support GAA players. It is in every sport across the line.

“The quick fix is terribly appealing. There is no real balance to the argument. It seems to be that the advertisement shows the glamour and fun [of gambling]. It doesn’t say why gambling is dangerous. It doesn’t say why you have to be 18 in the first place to make a bet. As always, anyone who has a problem should not keep going in secrecy. Talk.”