THE GAA has voted overwhelmingly to ban sponsorship from gambling companies.
The motion, the first to be put to the 230 delegates at the organisation’s Annual Congress at Croke Park today, was passed with 93 per cent of in favour.
It means gambling companies will be unable to sponsor any team, playing gear, competition or stadium.
No inter-county team is currently sponsored by a gambling company, although Armagh do have a partnership deal with Irish bookmaking firm Boylesports.
Any teams that have deals with gambling companies will be allowed to see them out.
While sponsorship from gambling companies has not been widespread, the issue of gambling addiction appears to be on the rise.
Supporting the proposal, GPA spokesperson Alan Kerins told the congress that over 100 players had so far received assistance to deal with gambling difficulties.
Two years ago, then GPA chief executive Dessie Farrell said gambling addiction was the biggest crisis facing senior players.
Meanwhile high-profile figures, including Tyrone footballer and former London player Cathal McCarron, have opened up about their gambling issues.
The decision to ban gambling sponsorship has been widely praised online.
The GAA have this morning banned all sponsorship from betting companies. This is absolutely the right decision
— Thomas Niblock (@thomasniblock) 24 February 2018
Delighted to see the #Congress banning betting companies from sponsorship within the GAA . It won't solve the massive issue straight away, but it's a big step in the right direction and it will help to disassociate gambling with the GAA.
— Rory's Stories (@RorysStories) 24 February 2018
GAA votes to ban gambling sponsorship via @RTENewsNow This is a hugely welcome move. Gambling has laid siege to sport and anything which curtails the reach of misery merchants like this is to be embraced. #CleanSport #AntiGambling https://t.co/TLUpNzJXxw
— Frank Milling (@TippManInMeath) 24 February 2018
Good to see the GAA leading the way in banning sponsorship from betting companies. Gambling addiction is becoming a big issue for players #gaacongress2018
— brendan healy (@4aldo4) 24 February 2018
For all of us. Gambling addiction is a major problem; its promotion during sports events is now incessant, unfettered. #GAA #GAACongress decision is a very positive step.
— Diarmuid O'Flynn (@ballyhea14) 24 February 2018
Over 90% of delegates at the GAA voted to ban gambling sponsorship. The motion's proposer said it would, "enhance the moral standing of the GAA in Irish life and protect the integrity of our games."
Imagine the FA considering commercial issues this broadly. pic.twitter.com/txHxQuPhcV
— theuglygame (@uglygame) 24 February 2018
load of league clubs have betting sponosrships too .Huge and welcome statement by GAA ....Our lot have to follow suit at some point .Booze,smokes & gambling sponsorship can no longer be tolerated
— gavexile (@gavexile) 24 February 2018
Another positive step forward in tackling a wider societal issue
Link to GAA/GPA Gambling Guidelines - https://t.co/vU6LEWsBtZ https://t.co/AFz2ZF8ejI
— GPA (@gaelicplayers) 24 February 2018
Excellent news. Betting adverts are a scourge across other news & sporting channels. And even pop up during programming not related to betting; like watching drama on box sets. Time to vote against alcohol related adverts next.
— Breda Duggan (@BredaDuggan3) 24 February 2018
