The government of Ireland has passed a Gambling Regulation Act, which will implement a number gambling reforms.
James Browne is the Minister of State for Law Reform. The new legislation will set the foundation for a licensing and regulation regime for this sector. The Gambling Regulatory Authority, a new statutory body that will act as the country’s regulator is about to be established.
The gambling industry is currently governed by a complex governance system that involves multiple departments, including the Department of Justice and Equality, Revenue Commissioners at the Irish Tax Authority (ITA) and the district courts.
This new entity will be able to exercise a wide range of powers, including the ability to license and regulate businesses as well as to enforce sanctions and fines.
The publication of this bill and its approval by the cabinet are unquestionably major landmarks. The taoiseach MichealMartin said that the legislation is important and needed to help Ireland meet the challenge of responsible gambling in the 21st Century.
This long-awaited bill is a much needed balance between the right to gamble and the need to safeguard people against addiction. The bill clarifies the framework both for consumers and operators.
Implementation of Ireland’s licensing system
Three different licence categories will be introduced under the new system for remote gambling and on-site gambling. There will be B2C licences for gaming, lottery and betting, B2B licenses as well as charitable licences.
Browne said, “Reforming the gambling laws and regulations in Ireland has always been a priority of mine as a minister.” I am happy to see the legislation draft at this stage and now look forward to its publication and passage through both houses.
This legislation will create a robust gambling regulator with an emphasis on the prevention of harm for people who are vulnerable to gambling problems, and in particular protecting children. It will also focus on the enforcement of a modern and strong regulatory framework.
Browne warns that those who continue to offer illegal gambling services may face criminal sanctions.
Operators who conduct gambling without the Authority’s gambling licence or do not follow the terms of their license could face up to 8 years in prison and/or fine at the court’s discretion.
New Rules
New rules will be implemented under the new bill in terms of how gambling is advertised and promoted. The broadcast of gambling advertising between 5:30am-9pm will be banned. The elimination of free bets, promotions and other offers is also in the works.
The Authority will give priority to the strict regulation of gambling advertisements. Advertising that targets children and promotes compulsive or excessive gambling will also be banned under the new legislation.
In this digital age and to combat the proliferation of gambling advertisements on social media by default, all advertising will be banned.
The bill proposes certain measures that will help to minimize the negative effects of gambling. This bill establishes a National Gambling Exclusion Registry. Credit as a payment method is prohibited by the bill. This bill allows the Authority to ban the offering of incentives and promotions.
The Authority will create a Social Impact Fund, which it will manage and fund with industry funding. The fund will finance projects to help reduce gambling addiction and to support education and awareness raising.
