Sir, – The forthcoming legislation around gambling is to be welcomed and we must hope that the mechanisms within it are robust enough (“New gambling law will ban all social media advertising”, News, November 15th).
We also must raise awareness through greater education.
I’m old enough to remember the promotion of cigarettes through sponsorship of snooker, Formula One and other sports, or alcohol through rugby and GAA. Thankfully these were curbed.
I have no interest in gambling but as a follower of sports it is everywhere on my social media, TV and radio and has become more frequent and brash. I know I’m not interested but it worries me when I hear my teenage students talking about their weekend accumulators and free bets.
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Gambling is something that brings great enjoyment for people but it can also be hugely damaging.
Let’s hope this legislation helps to find the right balance. – Yours, etc,
TOMÁS SEALE,
Leixlip,
Co Kildare.
