The views around social responsibility messaging are interesting and we agree that operators should have supports placed clearly throughout their ads rather than in the final few seconds. Having a website and helpline number present in every ad is seen as essential to allow people access information and we ensure these details are available through Irish operators’ social responsibility messaging. It is encouraging to know that there is support for having adverts focused solely on the potential harms associated with gambling as we have invested heavily in raising awareness across all media platforms recently with strong, clear, supportive messaging.
Our response to our recent ad campaign on RTE and TG4 is evidence of the power of testimonials, of seeing people we know, people just like us, those we admire talking openly about the negative impact gambling had on their lives resonates deeply. The idea of standalone ads is encouraged, and this is something we strongly agree with. In fact, we have recommended to the GRAI that for every gambling ad aired there should be a counter ad providing information and support around harmful gambling.
In all, we are encouraged by this report as it reinforces everything we do in terms of addressing and responding to the needs of those affected by harmful gambling and gambling addiction in Ireland, including strong, clear, and effective messaging, raising awareness of the issues associated with harmful gambling in Irish society and ensuring access to information, advice and treatment and support for anyone who needs it.
