GPA Calls on GAA to Ban Gambling Ads During Live Matches

The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) has called on the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) to ban gambling ads during live matches.

The GPA has made formal contact with Croke Park on the issue and says “the GAA would become the first sporting organisation in the world to take such a step” if it were to back the proposal.

The GPA is seeking that no gambling advertisements be broadcast in commercial breaks during live coverage of Gaelic games and though it is questionable whether the GAA would be able to dictate to broadcasters on a matter such as this, the GPA believes the governing body would have enough heft to do so.

A GPA statement read: “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.”

“We’re urging all delegates to support the views of the players at Congress and will share this information with them ahead of the weekend,” Paul Flynn, chief executive of GPA, said.