Stop Before You Just Can’t Stop

Launched on February 14th the GAA’s new gambling awareness campaign, ‘Stop Before You Just Can’t Stop’, is designed to help people recognise behaviours associated with problem gambling and to assist them access support services available to them.

GAA rules already prohibit players, team management or match officials from betting on games in which they are involved. Despite this Uachtarán CLG, Larry McCarthy said:

“The GAA has taken unrivalled steps to decouple Gaelic Games from gambling. However, problem gambling remains a societal issue of concern; one that has negatively impacted the lives of numerous GAA players and their loved ones. Through this campaign we encourage any GAA member who may be concerned about their gambling to access as early as possible the supports that are proven to help one deal with problem gambling.”

What are some of the facts about gambling in Ireland?

What are some of the warning signs of problem gambling?

Hiding time spent gambling or hiding bills and unpaid debt

Bragging about winning, exaggerating wins and/or minimizing losses

Lying about how much time or money is spent on gambling

Restless or irritable when not gambling

Borrowing for gambling

 

Help is available

If you or anyone you know is or might be a problem gambler, and it can be accessed via numerous ways. Some of those are as follows.

 

The GAA’s ‘Stop Before You Just Can’t Stop’ webpage

https://www.gaa.ie/news/stop-before-you-just-can-t-stop/

Included on this page is a copy of the official poster for printing and display within your club and a sample Club Gambling Policy.

 

Extern Problem Gambling webpage

https://www.problemgambling.ie/

They can also be contacted in complete confidence Mon-Fri 9:00 am to 5:00 pm via email at info@problemgambling.ie or via text message to arrange a call-back on 089 241 5401 in Ireland or 07537 188575 in Northern Ireland

 

Gamblers Anonymous on 01 8721133 or https://www.gamblersanonymous.ie/

 

Individual Club Training Available.

Attention all Wicklow GAA Club Chairs, Secretaries, Players and Members. Wicklow GAA Health and Wellbeing Committee can provide Gambling Awareness training for your club. To arrange for this very important training please contact our Chairperson David on email chair.hwc.wicklow@gaa.ie.