Key points:
- Bill first introduced in 2022
- First big change in legislation for gambling since 1956 in Ireland
- Advertising, black market, inducements and many other areas covered in the bill
After a number of years in the making, the Gambling Regulation Bill in Ireland has finally been passed through both Houses of the Oireachtas.
The bill was first set out in the Dáil Éireann in December 2022 and now with the passing of the legislation, Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland can be established, which will oversee the licensing and regulating within the betting industry.
This will be the first comprehensive piece of legislation to regulate the gambling industry in the country since 1956 and brings in a number of measures.
For example, gambling advertising is prohibited between 5.30am and 9pm, a Social Impact Fund to support awareness will be created, a number of measures are in place to deal with the black market, inducements will be banned and the National Gambling Exclusion Register will be established.
The legislation will now go to President Michael D Higgins for consideration before it is signed into law.
Minister of State at the Department of Justice James Browne said: “I am truly delighted to welcome the passage of this long-awaited legislation, which is the result of many years of hard work by myself and a team of dedicated Departmental officials.
“It provides for a new streamlined, simplified and coherent licensing framework - one that reflects the nature of gambling in modern society and addresses the proliferation of digital gambling activities and advertising in recent years.
“At its core, this legislation is a public health measure aimed at protecting our citizens from gambling harm, including younger people and those more vulnerable in our communities.
CEO Designate of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland Anne Marie Caulfield added: “While we have a lot of preparatory work done, we will have a phased introduction of our functions, with a focus on licensing initially.
“As CEO designate of the new Authority, I am determined to ensure that licensees operate in accordance with the legislation while also fulfilling our mandate to establish safeguards to address problem gambling. We are also committed to engaging with stakeholders as we establish this new regulatory regime for Ireland’s gambling and gaming sector."
