Gambling bill could have unintended consequences for small Tipperary racecourses say councillors

Tipperary County Council has voted to write to the Minister of State for Law Reform to advocate for small racecourses.

They say they are concerned about unintended consequences of the proposed Gambling Regulation Bill on the industry.

The motion put forward by Councillor Michael Fitzgerald at a recent sitting of the Tipperary County Council plenary meeting read:

“That Tipperary County Council write to the Minister of State James Browne TD, Minister for Law Reform, expressing concern with the consequences of the Proposed Gambling Regulation Bill on small rural racecourses (Tipperary, Thurles, Clonmel), which are a key economic component of the of our county’s development.”

Cllr Fitzgerald said he ‘fears for the survival’ of small rural racecourse if the legislation passes.

He said that in 2022, there were 50,000 racegoers in Tipperary, which makes the industry a ‘significant economic activity’ in the county.

He said the bill would ban the advertisement of racing between 5:30pm and 9pm.

It is designed to mitigate the effects of gambling for people with issues of addiction, an aim the councillor said he supports.

However, he said it will have the unintended consequence of preventing broadcasting.

It might, he said, that British stations could broadcast Irish racing, but national stations could not.

“It’s like saying everyone who goes into a pub to have a drink to enjoy themselves is an alcoholic, and that is not the case,” said Cllr Fitzgerald.

Cllr Mairin McGrath said she supports the motion. She said the National Lottery is exempt, and it is the “most accessible form of gambling.”

“I think it is detrimental to the horse racing industry,” said Cllr McGrath.

Cllr John Fitzgerald said the bill would damage the reputation of Ireland in the industry.

“We would be a laughing stock if people had to rely on British broadcasters,” said Cllr Fitzgerald.

Online Gambling

Several councillors expressed their support for a ban on online gambling.

Cllr Eddie Moran said he would be in favour of an outright ban and that if people want to gamble, they can go to a bookies.

Cllr Joe Hanigan said gambling on a phone should be “restricted.”

Cllr David Dunne said he knows a lot of people who gamble online, and it has negative effects on families. He said “online gambling is just too easy.”

Cllr Dunne said he understands the aim of the bill being discussed, but it needs amending to protect the horse racing industry.