Legislation to regulate Ireland’s gambling industry is now in its final stages and set for debate in the Dáil (Irish parliament) on Wednesday night.
This follows an amendment proposed by the minister overseeing the bill, aimed at strengthening the regulator’s authority to limit the availability of free bets to the public. This issue had been hotly debated in the Seanad in recent weeks.
The passage of the Gambling Regulation Bill will mark the end of an 11-year journey since the government first introduced proposals to modernize Ireland’s gambling regulations.
The legislation is one of the key legislative priorities for the Government before the next general election. Tánaiste Micheál Martin has expressed strong support for its passage, stating he would be “very upset” if it failed to pass during the current administration.
“Gambling is a devastating addiction. It can destroy lives and families, often with greater severity than alcohol.”
An End to Unregulated Gambling
While the UK has had a gambling regulator in place for nearly 20 years, Ireland has yet to establish a similar authority despite the naming of an official CEO of the proposed authority back in 2022.
The new bill will create a regulatory body with enforcement powers and the ability to impose limits on advertising and other industry practices. Companies that violate these regulations could face significant fines of up to €20 million or 10% of their turnover.
In recent weeks, Junior Justice Minister James Browne faced criticism over an amendment that would allow gambling companies to offer free bets to the general public but prohibit them from targeting specific groups. Some Senators argued that free bets could lure gambling addicts back into dangerous behavior, with Browne acknowledging his own concerns after reviewing the issue.
“We’ve given the gambling regulatory authority the power to impose additional restrictions if needed on how these offers are made. This greatly enhances the regulator’s ability to act.”
Barry Grant, a counselor and project manager at Extern Problem Gambling, told the Irish Examiner that offers of free bets and free spins are a common trigger for relapses among individuals in recovery.
“We’re also deeply concerned about how these promotions attract young people to start gambling. The flashy advertising creates a real struggle for them, and we witness the harmful effects firsthand.”
According to research from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) published last year, one in 10 adults in Ireland are problem gamblers or have experienced multiple issues due to gambling. However, further studies by ESRI the have indicated that this figure could be significantly underestimated.
Ireland’s main treatment centre for addiction, The Rutland Centre, also reported that in 2023, 20% of its admissions were for gambling addiction.
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After years of debate and discussion, it appears that the final approval of Ireland’s Gambling Regulation Bill is imminent. This legislation has been in the works for quite some time, with the goal of modernizing and regulating the country’s gambling industry.
The bill aims to address a number of key issues within the gambling sector, including consumer protection, responsible gambling measures, and the prevention of problem gambling. It also seeks to update and streamline the regulatory framework for gambling operators in Ireland.
One of the most significant aspects of the bill is the establishment of a new regulatory authority to oversee the gambling industry. This authority will be responsible for issuing licenses to operators, enforcing compliance with regulations, and monitoring the industry for any potential issues.
In addition, the bill includes provisions for the introduction of new measures to protect consumers, such as mandatory age verification checks and limits on advertising and promotions. It also includes measures to promote responsible gambling, including self-exclusion programs and support services for those who may be struggling with addiction.
Overall, the final approval of Ireland’s Gambling Regulation Bill is seen as a positive step forward for the country’s gambling industry. It is expected to bring much-needed clarity and oversight to an industry that has long been in need of reform. With the implementation of this legislation, Ireland is poised to create a safer and more transparent gambling environment for both operators and consumers alike.
