Proceeds of gambling should be shared among all sports – Keane

“The proceeds of gambling should be shared among all sports, not just the horse and greyhound industry”, says Fine Gael Dublin Senator, Cáit Keane.

Online gambling has increased the amount of betting that takes place across all sports. It is no longer just the preserve of the horse and greyhound industry. As such I strongly believe that the proceeds of the betting tax should be shared among all sports. Bernard Brogan, in his role as the president of Federation of Irish Sport has also called for this.

“Women’s sport in particular is very badly funded. For example we have international hockey and soccer players trying to balance a full time job with the demands of representing their country in international tournaments. Spreading the proceeds of the betting tax to them could be very beneficial.

“This week in the Seanad I called for a discussion on this saying we need to look at the possibilities around sharing out the proceeds of this tax. Any discussion on this should however be cognisant of the dangers of gambling and the need to help people who suffer with addiction to gambling. The fact is however that gambling on sport will continue and while it does, we might as well make sure that all sports, particular minority and womens’ sports, see the benefit.”