This week the Gaelic Players Association has called for a ban on gambling advertising during all GAA games, which include both Gaelic football and hurling.
The call to action comes after a study last year found that 80% of GAA players believe their teammates engage in gambling on either a daily or weekly basis. This has caused concern among those in charge, as they claim it could potentially be a catalyst for match fixing or cause wider gambling addiction. The association is calling for the ban to be written into the rules for each game, which would make the GAA the first sporting group to take such action.
Commenting on the issue GPA CEO Paul Flynn said, "Gambling promotion during GAA games presents a heightened risk to the welfare of all members of the GAA but particularly children and those most vulnerable to the perils of this destructive addiction. The proliferation of online betting and the availability of betting advertising around Gaelic Games has helped develop a worrying cultural issue with gambling in the GAA.
"We believe that the GAA, through its relationships with its broadcast partners, has the ability to prevent the broadcast of gambling ads during matches. Removing this intrinsic link between inter-county games and betting advertising reduces the risk of vulnerable members of the association developing issues with problem gambling."
Before a ban can be implemented, it will have to be discussed by the group's council, who'll then vote on a decision.
Comments
I've seen just once or twice some fractions of a Gaelic Football games so for those who're unaware like me here's an educational video...quite a weird sport to be honest but I guess entertaining for those who're aware in the rules...looking similar to Aussie Rules?