Among the recommendations in the new strategy are a ban on advertising before the watershed and effective age verification for online gambling. To assist juvenile problem gamblers, gambling advertisements must be forbidden before the watershed.

Sinn Féin is introducing legislation today after a study revealed that there could be up to 3,000 problem gamblers aged 15 and 16 in Ireland.

The party criticizes the ease with which youngsters can gamble and wants to tighten regulations in the sector, particularly in the online domain.

Another criterion they are searching for is age verification while placing a bet.

The existing regulation merely requires bookmakers to seek verification of someone's age within 72 hours of placing a bet.

Furthermore, the new regulation makes it illegal to entice consumers with free bets.

Thomas Gould, Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central, is presenting his party's agenda.

"I'm incredibly delighted to be introducing today this detailed policy document that lays out how to finally fight gambling addiction in Ireland," he added.

"While many people can enjoy gambling in a healthy way on occasion, countless families across the state will know the loss and anguish that occurs when gaming becomes an addiction."

"Gambling has wreaked havoc on the lives of many people who have lost control over the effects gambling has on them."

"Frustratingly, this government has been sleeping at the wheel when it comes to gambling regulation for far too long."

"Our regulations are stuck in the stone age and do not do enough to reflect the digital environment we currently live in."

"Within minutes, people can pick up their phone and place a wager through an app on their smartphone."

"I'm especially concerned that our current restrictions make children and young people vulnerable to being drawn into the world of gambling."

"According to the ESPAD (European Schools Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs), up to three thousand children aged 15-16 in Ireland have a problem with gambling."

"This is one of Europe's highest rates."

"Those data should serve as a wake-up call to take immediate action."

"Many are drawn in by apps that seem like computer games, and far too often, families and schools are unaware of the warning flags."

"In my proposals today, I call for safeguards to prevent our children and young people from being drawn into gambling."

"One critical step is to establish a watershed between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. forbidding gambling advertisements, so that younger children are not exposed to advertisements normalizing gambling on TV and online."

"We take significant precautions in this nation to protect children from taking alcohol and drugs, and properly so," Mr Gould continued.

"However, we have a big blind spot when it comes to safeguarding children from problem gambling. "We owe it to our young people to bring our gaming laws up to date so that they are ready for 2021."