Comedian Rory O’Connor has slammed the government for not putting age restrictions on betting apps as he opened up on his gambling addiction.
The Meath funnyman behind the hit online comedy Rory’s Stories, hit out at the State for continuing to turn a blind eye to the gambling epidemic swallowing up our youth.
Rory, 32, told the Irish Mirror: “I feel so sorry for the young people of this country because it’s so accessible to bet, with Paddy Power Apps and it’s all over the TV.
“Young lads don’t even have to leave their house, they can just transfer money onto their account and bet.
“It’s by far the biggest elephant in the room, that and cocaine, they’re so normalised, it’s normal for them to put a bet on and it’s normal for them to do coke on a night out.”
The comic insists the Government needs to intervene, describing the seedy world of gambling as a “free for all”.
He added: “I just think the government need to start concentrating on this because it’s a free for all at the minute.
“Every, match you watch there’s ads for betting and young lads sitting at home will put a fiver on and once they start earning it will turn into 50 or 100 euros.
“I think something needs to be done, I don’t want to bad mouth the likes of Paddy Power but they don’t give a sh*t at the end of the day, they’re just making money.”
Rory’s Stories went viral in 2013 with his satirical look at Irish life, from GAA to internet dating, to gambling.
His stories have been liked by over a million people and now the former Recruitment agent is gearing up for his Vicar Street, Dublin gig on September 14th and a Nationwide tour in October.
The dad-of-two described how easily gambling can take hold of your life.
He said: “I’ve no problem with anyone gambling, I’m not going to be a preacher but for lads like me with addictive personalities who are full on into what they do, if you bring the likes of gambling into your mindset, you’re f**d you can’t control yourself.
“That’s what I worry about the younger generation, yes it’s only fivers now but what happens when you leave college and you get an 80K salary and you’re able to put 50 quid on for a bet.
“That’s where the serious sh**t will hit the fan.”
The comic insists families need to intervene if they notice a problem.
He explained: “I always say mind your own house, I can’t tell you don’t gamble because you’ll get depressed, it’s more if you have a son or a daughter or friend who know is struggling, you have to make him understand you’re addicted to the gambling.
“If you can’t stop for a week, it becomes a problem.”
