Researchers are calling for a ban on low-cost scratchcards in Ireland, warning that their easy availability could be putting both children and adults at risk of developing gambling problems.
A new study involving researchers from four Irish universities is proposing a series of measures to tackle gambling harm, including restricting advertising, introducing health warnings on scratchcards and betting slips, and raising the minimum gambling age to 21.
The researchers say there are serious concerns about how easily children can access lottery products, with previous test purchasing research finding that almost 30% of retailers were willing to sell lottery products to underage customers.
Lead author of the research, Dr Frank Houghton from the Technological University of the Shannon, joined us on The Agenda this morning to discuss the proposals and the growing concerns around gambling addiction in Ireland.
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