Sinn Féin MLA Sinéad Ennis has welcomed a voluntary agreement in the pipeline between major gambling companies to stop betting advertising during live sports broadcasts.
The South Down MLA said: “I welcome the deal between gambling companies for a ‘whistle-to-whistle’ ban on gambling advertising during live sports broadcasts.
“Gambling advertisement plays a massive part in the growing rise of gambling addiction across society.
“It is a positive step that major gambling companies understand the dangers that can come from gambling advertisements given that many clubs are sponsored by gambling companies.
“Sinn Féin have called for stricter legislation and regulations on all forms of gambling and gambling advertising. Addiction and its damaging impacts can affect everyone.”
Top companies such as Bet365 and Ladbrokes are backing this initiative and it could be implemented by next summer 2019.
The Guardian newspaper commissioned research and found that during World Cup 2018, children were overwhelmed with gambling advertising for a full match of ninety minutes.
