The passage of the Gambling Bill through the Dail has been hailed as a victory for Meath charities and sporting bodies, by Deputy Johnny Guirke.

The Meath West TD said Sinn Féin put pressure on the Government to u-turn on wording that would have prevented sports clubs and charitable organisations raising necessary funds through Lotto tickets, bingo and other means.

“We supported the passage of the bill in its final form, having forced the Government to amend its position on charitable and sporting fundraising.

“The original wording would have been disastrous for Meath sports clubs and charities as it conflated fundraising with gambling, which would have cost such organisations thousands of euros in necessary fundraising.

“We see GAA clubs, for example, right across Meath sell weekly club lotto tickets. This is a source of income for the club.

“Despite the government’s attempts to criticise Sinn Féin’s amendments aimed at addressing the concerns of sporting bodies and the charity sector, our perseverance in insisting that they be addressed have been vindicated in the final wording of this bill.

“It is now crucial that this bill is accompanied by funding for addiction services and awareness campaigns and supports that are free of industry influence.

“We support a regulated trade and acknowledge its importance to prevent the involvement of organised crime and grey market operators.

“Now that the legislation required for the new Gambling Regulatory Authority has passed, it is time for the Authority to get on with its work, and for efforts to combat gambling addiction to be redoubled.”