Irish Researchers Push for Tobacco-Style Restrictions on Low-Cost Scratchcards

Researchers from four Irish universities have called for tighter gambling controls modeled on tobacco and alcohol regulations, with a focus on restricting low-cost scratchcards. The study published in the Irish Journal of Medical Science recommends a ban on €1 and €2 scratchcards along with minimum spend thresholds. These measures aim to curb impulsive buying and underage access, according to Focus Gaming News.

Core Recommendations and Public Health Parallels

The researchers propose minimum gambling spend requirements of €5, €10 or €15 to deter impulse participation, particularly among minors. They highlight how Ireland has restricted inexpensive tobacco through bans on single cigarettes and minimum pack sizes of 20, yet €1 and €2 scratchcards remain widely available.

Dr Frank Houghton, lead author and principal investigator at the Tobacco, Alcohol and Gambling Research Group at the Technological University of the Shannon, stated that lessons from tobacco control should apply to gambling. "If we learn from the achievements of tobacco control, we can help protect both children and adults from becoming problem gamblers," Houghton said. "Cheap scratchcards are simply too easy for children to access. The gambling, tobacco and alcohol industries are all essentially addiction industries, and we should never forget that."

Further recommendations include stricter advertising controls, health warnings on products, plain packaging for National Lottery scratchcards, raising the minimum gambling age to 21, higher taxes and a retailer licence fee.

Data on Harm and Risks of Inaction

The study cites ESRI estimates of 130,000 problem gamblers in Ireland, with another 279,000 showing moderate indicators. Test purchases commissioned by the Office of the Regulator of the National Lottery in 2024 found almost 30 per cent of retailers willing to sell lottery products to children. International evidence referenced in the report shows that those who begin gambling before the legal age face significantly higher risks of later problems.

The Regulatory Path Ahead

Irish policymakers must now weigh these targeted restrictions against current lottery availability. Adopting the proposed public health framework could reduce youth exposure but requires balancing enforcement resources with the documented scale of harm.