A gambling company advertising in Croke Park despite a blanket ban introduced by the GAA in 2018 should be addressed by the organisation, former Armagh player Oisin McConville says.
The advertising hoarding with the BoyleSports logo has been on the Hogan Stand of GAA headquarters for a number of years and is visible during All-Ireland Finals and major events such as last weekend’s Coldplay concerts.
The hoarding, attached to a corporate box leased by the Co Louth bookmaker, is present despite 93% of GAA delegates voting in the ban six years ago.
Despite the legislation, gambling remains a significant issue within the GAA and a number of high-profile players have spoken out about their addiction troubles.
A study compiled by the University of Limerick in 2023 found that there was a “worrying” connection between elite inter-county GAA players and gambling.
A spokesperson for the GAA said: “Box holders at Croke Park are free to use the front of their boxes for promotional activity in keeping with ASA guidelines.”
A spokesperson for BoyleSports said: “As a suite holder at Croke Park, along with every other suite holder, BoyleSports is permitted to use the front fascia of its suite for branding purposes.”
Mr McConville, a prominent gambling addiction campaigner who has spoken of losing tens of thousands of pounds in the past, says the GAA has done a lot to tackle problem gambling in local communities but believes the BoyleSports advertising shows mixed messaging.
The Crossmaglen man spent time in residential treatment in 2005 and worked in counselling and gambling recovery for almost 20 years.
“It’s certainly not ideal, we have had a blanket ban on advertising from gambling companies within the GAA since 2018,” Mr McConville told the Irish News.
“That extends to jersey sponsorship, underage teams and tournaments and within stadiums as well.
“It’s important to say that the GAA have done a lot in this area and that is to be welcomed.
“I would imagine that this is something that just slipped under the radar, but it is important that it is addressed.
“There are bits and pieces that still need to be done to tackle the association between gambling and sport. The two are inextricably linked and anything we can do to disassociate them the better.
“There are gambling companies that want to be seen to be associated with the GAA, and it’s important they are seen to do the right thing here.”
The GAA has previously been praised for its efforts to address problem gambling amongst it players, with the sporting body and the Gaelic Players Association initiating awareness campaigns where players, supporters or their families can learn about harmful gambling.
Tyrone and Armagh All-Ireland winners Conn Kilpatrick and Stefan Campbell are among those who have spoken about their issues with gambling addiction in recent years.
If you or anyone close to you has a gambling problem, visit GamblingCare.ie in confidence or call the free National Helpline on 1800 936 725