Betting companies are facing a crackdown on the use of illegal gambling advertising banners during major sporting tournaments, following a decision by Dublin City Council to initiate a test case against the practice.

Councillors have accused betting companies of using a loophole in planning laws to erect illegal advertising banners on their shops to “exploit” vulnerable and “marginalised communities” by encouraging betting on certain sporting events such as World Cup matches or high profile horse racing festivals.

Current planning legislation gives property owners four weeks to comply with local authority orders to remove any illegal banners from their premises, generally allowing them to retain the illegal signage for the full duration of a competition, without penalty.