Paddy Power Betfair’s chief executive has said that the President’s recent call for gambling advertising to be banned in sport is not necessarily the right thing to do.

“If I had my way, I wouldn’t have advertising or any access to gambling platforms in sport at all,” said President Michael D Higgins last month.

The betting giant says it will abide by whatever laws are in place, but boss Peter Jackson said: “We’ve been a very good supporter of responsible gambling in Ireland.

“We would like to see some progress made on the [gambling control] bill. We will operate within the framework that’s put in place – that countries and politicians decide.”