Johnny Mythen TD believes new Gambling Bill will restrict fundraising efforts for sports clubs across Wexford

The Government’s new Gambling Bill will constrain County Wexford sports clubs and community organisations from raising necessary funds according to Wexford TD, Johnny Mythen…

Sinn Féin TD Johnny Mythen has said that the government’s Gambling Bill must be amended to protect sport clubs and charitable organisations in County Wexford from mass losses of revenue.

He said that the bill puts together fundraising with gambling, and the failure to address this issue would cost local sporting clubs, charities and community organisations a loss of thousands of euros through their fundraising activities, if passed in its current form.

Speaking to Wexford Weekly, Teachta Mythen said:

“Sporting clubs and charities have significant concerns regarding the impact the government’s Gambling Bill will have on fundraising efforts.
“The bill, as it is currently drafted, would place considerable barriers in place for local organisations, drastically restricting their ability to fundraise.
“This bill joins together fundraising lotteries with gambling, despite there being no evidence of gambling harm provided to justify such problematic regulations.
“The government’s sweeping measures, brought forward by Fianna Fáil, would have a far-reaching and negative impact on local sporting clubs, hospices, tidy town groups and many other philanthropic organisations here in Wexford.
“Such clubs and organisations right across the state heavily rely on fundraising to keep the show on the road. The effect of this bill would be to leave them constrained and restricted in their fundraising activities.
“There is broad agreement that gambling companies require significant regulations and an empowered regulator but this bill oversteps that purpose.

The government has ploughed ahead with blunt measures despite concerns raised by Sinn Féin through a number of amendments including one which would exempt charities and sports clubs from the provisions of the Bill, provided that the funds from any activity are for their benefit alone.

“This bill must deliver for ordinary people, voluntary organisations and those in recovery, while preserving jobs and protecting sources of fundraising.
“Its current wording does not do that, and Sinn Féin will have to reflect on our support if the government does not address these concerns.”