GAA moves to ban betting sponsorship

The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) has voted to introduce a ban on betting sponsorship across its various competitions in Ireland.

Passed at the GAA Annual Congress on the weekend, ‘Motion 1’ will prohibit “sponsorship by a betting company of any competition, team, playing gear or facility”.

A total of 93% of delegates that were in attendance voted in favour of the move.

Mick Rock of Connacht GAA said that banning sponsorship by betting companies would “enhance the moral standing of the GAA in Irish life and protect the integrity of our games”.

Gaelic Players’ Association delegate Alan Kerins also spoke in favour of the move, revealing that a large number of its members had sought help via its counselling due to gambling issues.

Kerins commended the GAA for “taking this leadership step for society as a whole”.

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