Irish experts want tobacco-style limits on scratch cards

Researchers from four Irish universities have called on policymakers to introduce gambling regulations similar to the measures applied to tobacco and alcohol control. According to the study, such measures could reduce gambling-related harm among both children and adults. The report recommends restrictions on low-cost scratch cards and public health interventions aimed at deterring impulsive gambling.

According to the research, Ireland has taken steps to limit access to cheap tobacco products. The sale of single cigarettes has been banned, and a requirement for packs of at least 20 cigarettes has been introduced. However, 1 and 2 euro scratch cards are reported to be widely sold.

The lead author of the study, Dr Frank Houghton, is principal investigator of the Tobacco, Alcohol and Gambling Research Group at Shannon Technological University. Houghton argued that progress made in the fight against tobacco could guide gambling policy and help prevent children from becoming problem gamblers. The researchers also recommend introducing a minimum spend requirement of at least 5, 10 or 15 euros. This measure is said to be able to reduce impulsive participation and could be effective in limiting underage access to gambling.

The report also recommends stricter oversight of advertising and point-of-sale marketing, mandatory health warnings on scratch cards and betting slips, plain packaging for National Lottery scratch cards, stronger enforcement of gambling laws, raising the gambling age limit to 21, increasing gambling taxes, and introducing a retailer licence fee for National Lottery sales. In test purchases carried out by the regulator in 2024, almost 30 percent of retailers were found to be willing to sell lottery products to children.