Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2014
183. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if there exists any prohibition on the advertising of gambling on the outcome of criminal trials similar to the prohibition on the advertising of gambling in football under the Betting Act 1931. [12961/14]
View answerSection 32 of the Betting Act 1931 deals with the prohibition of advertising relating to betting on football games and provides that, other than in the case of the distribution of advertising by the registered proprietor of a registered premises in such premises, "it shall not be lawful for any person to write, print, publish or knowingly circulate any advertisement, circular or coupon advocating or inviting or otherwise relating to betting on football games or knowingly to cause or procure, or attempt to cause or procure, any such advertisement, circular or coupon to be written, printed, published or circulated". An examination of the Dáil debates at the time of the passing of the Bill in 1931 appears to suggest that the term "football" applies to both Gaelic football and soccer. The Betting Act 1931 does not specifically prohibit advertising for betting on any other activities.
As the Deputy is aware the Betting (Amendment) Bill, currently before the House provides for the licensing and regulation of the remote betting sector. Matters pertaining to public order will form part of the forthcoming Gambling Control Bill.
