The GAA and GPA today announced guidelines aimed at tackling a growing concern over the prevalence of gambling on matches and its potential impact on those whose behaviour becomes addictive.
It is estimated that as many as 25% of the Irish adult population likes to bet and that as many as 12% do so on a weekly basis.
Problems associated with gambling are increasing in Ireland – the Institute of Public Health estimates that up to 40,000 people could have a gambling disorder – and gambling addiction was the second highest cause of emotional distress behind depression in a analysis of counselling issues since 2010 among members of the Gaelic Players Association.
“Problem gambling is becoming a growing concern in modern Ireland,” said Liam O’Neill, President of the GAA. “As part of the Association’s on-going work in the area of health and wellbeing, we felt it timely to produce this booklet of basic guidelines as an educational resource for our players, members, and clubs.”
“This document aims to assist GAA members in identifying what problem gambling is and to encourage those who may be experiencing a difficulty to seek support and assistance. It also highlights the strict regulations and consequences – both within GAA rule and the broader laws of the land – regarding match-fixing or the use of insider information for the financial gain of the individual or team concerned, or any third parties involved.”
GPA Chief Executive Dessie Farrell added: “Since our Counseling Service for county players started to reflect increasing problems among our membership with gambling, we felt it was necessary to isolate this issue and help educate our members as to the dangers.
“There are two major areas of concern for the GPA,” added Chief Executive Dessie Farrell. “The rise in gambling addiction and the potential for match fixing or spot fixing down the line. While the numbers suffering with addiction are still relatively small, they are rising.”
“Thankfully we have had no evidence to date of any irregularities around players betting, we are acutely aware of the problems experienced in other sports.”
The GAA is one of the few national or international major sporting bodies without an official betting partnership. The IRFU has one with Paddy Power and the FAI with Bragbet.
There is no restriction on betting though and both Ladbrokes and Boylesports brands have been worn in recent years on inter county jerseys.
Betting companies internationally are among the largest and fastest growing sponsorship cohort, and Paddy Power is one of Ireland’s largest companies by market capitalisation and reputation.
The GAA’s Gambling guidelines for clubs, players, and members can be downloaded here.
Lesson for Sport: The balance between social responsibility and commercial partnership is one that needs care and attention.
Lesson for Business: Sports mass appeal across all ages, while attractive in terms of numbers does bring additional responsibility when it comes to marketing.
