The Tánaiste says he does not believe that the Gambling Regulation Bill will kill off horse racing in Ireland.
Part of the bill would see gambling ads banned from television between 5.30am until 9pm and it’s feared that the ban could cost the industry two billion euro.
Racing TV and Sky Sports Racing, who broadcast Irish horse racing across the UK, say it would be unviable to continue broadcasting in Ireland if they cannot make revenue from gambling advertising.
However Michael Martin says the racing industry here is very strong, and he doesn’t think those fears will be realised:
“The Irish racing industry is very strong. The breeding industry is very strong – it’s world class. I don’t believe the fears will be realised. Addiction, gambling addiction is a serious issue in society. It’s a serious public health issue. The ESRI estimates around 130,000 people are problem gamblers.