I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for the opportunity to raise the issue of FOBTs, fixed odds betting terminals. I raise the issue because I have come across a number of things which triggered my memory in recent weeks. I was in New Zealand a number of years ago in my capacity as chairperson of the Joint Committee on Arts, Sport Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. One issue drawn to my attention during that trip was that of betting terminals. If one entered a pub there were several such machines. They were to all intents and purposes not unlike slot machines. One could insert money, touch the screen and buy into virtual horse racing, dog racing or roulette wheels. The New Zealand police and people working in addiction services were concerned because they encountered people who spent their entire wages or social welfare payments in these locations. Given the location of these machines within the social context of a pub, people tended to be more involved in participating at that level, rather than going to a games hall.
The warning of these people came back to me recently. They suggested that if Ireland was to consider moving in this direction, it should be very careful because difficulties associated with gambling addiction could be thrown up and addictions could be created. They tried to ensure those installing such machines in New Zealand would pay a part of the cost of rehabilitating people who encountered gambling difficulties.
This matter is increasingly pertinent given the economic downturn. We must be quite sure of what we do in respect of the legal standing in the area of gambling. I have a flutter on the horses or the dogs like many other people, although I should not say everyone does it. However, the whole process of horse racing, dog racing and such activities takes time and involves watching the race and weighing up the pros and cons, rather than the virtual process of pressing a button with an immediate result. The speed at which one may spend money is phenomenal.
Recently, I watched a programme on this issue as it is unfolding the UK. The potential dangers I saw in New Zealand now seem to be an issue in the UK. Recently, a person handed me his iPhone. This person worked in a particular industry and suggested that what I was shown was the future of gambling. It was a scratch card. There were several ways in which one could buy it but essentially one bought a certain amount of credit and downloaded a scratch card. One could scratch the card in the same way one would a scratch card bought in the shop.
When I play sudoku on my mobile phone I could be at it for quite some time because I may be addicted to trying to find the solution. The same may apply to anyone with an addiction or gambling issue and decisions on the road we take in respect of technology must be addressed. We must not bury our heads in any sense to the potential developments in this issue in future.
I do not suggest this is being introduced to Ireland at present but I wish to know the position. In May 2007 I read a publication which suggested such terminals were well established in the UK since 2001. It was suggested that within 18 months Ireland would be in the same situation. Subsequently, the casino review group met and there was some controversy in respect of whether Ireland should have fixed odds betting terminals.
I do not suggest that I know the best way to proceed on this issue, but gambling is a serious addiction the same way as alcohol, drugs and many other forms of addiction. We must raise such topics of social concern constantly to establish that we are aware of the extent to which technology is moving on, the difficulties such activities create and the stance of the Government on this matter and on the overall issue of addiction and support for those who have an addiction as well as their families.
