Ireland’s Labour Leader Seeks to End All Gambling Advertising

Labour leader Ivana Bacik made the comments after a BoyleSports betting shop in Dublin promoted an in-store offer encouraging customers to open accounts without requiring a bank account. Speaking to the Sunday Independent, Bacik said Ireland should follow other countries that have introduced blanket bans on gambling advertising.

“Labour have called for a ban on gambling ads,” she said. “In recognition of the harm caused by advertising to those at risk of gambling addiction, other countries have introduced bans on all gambling ads. Ireland should follow suit. We know that gambling companies prey on the vulnerabilities of problem gamblers, and it is deeply concerning to see companies targeting people with addiction issues.”

The Extern Problem Gambling project, which supports individuals in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, also criticised such promotions, warning that additional incentives can increase the risk of problem gambling. The organisation said gambling operators have a duty of care to protect vulnerable individuals rather than exploit them.

In response, a BoyleSports spokesperson said all customers are subject to strict verification procedures and that the company operates in line with existing legal and regulatory requirements, as well as pending regulation. The operator added that similar signage used previously at another Dublin branch had been removed following media enquiries.

The Department of Justice said the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), established earlier this year, will have enforcement powers once relevant provisions of the Gambling Regulation Act are commenced, including powers related to advertising compliance and player protection.

Labour currently holds 11 of the 174 seats in the Irish Parliament (Dáil) and sits in opposition, without representation in government.