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Paddy Power has announced that it will no longer be accepting bets on under-18 sport in Ireland going forward.In a statement, Paddy Power said that they had stopped as an independent choice after criticism from various sectors, adding:“Despite offering these markets for years it’s never come up as a contentious issue before…“Some people wanted to bet on U-18s sports so we responded to that demand”Customers at Paddy Power will no longer be able to make wagers on any under-18 sport, with rival bookmaker in Ireland, Boylesports, announcing that they too will be ceasing all betting in this market.
General concern
In the same statement, Paddy Power explained that although customers would be disappointed, the sacrifice needed to be made:“Those customers may be disappointed that they will no longer be able to bet on these sports, especially when they’re on TV or high-profile matches, but we understand that there is a general concern around the issue so we have responded.”
Very real threat
The news of Paddy Power’s decision has been welcomed by various sectors of the industry, with the Gaelic Players’ Association (GPA) saying that it was incredibly important, especially as concerns over gambling addiction with Irish Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) players.In a statement, the GPA, which represents professionals in the GAA, said:“Gambling addiction has been identified as a growing concern for county footballers and hurlers over the past number of years, with 2015 showing the highest growth in numbers presenting with gambling addiction.“As well as the immense reputational damage and personal devastation gambling addiction can have on a player and those close to him, the issue poses a very real threat to the reputation of inter-county football and hurling in general if the integrity of the games is compromised.”