A move is underway in the Irish Parliament to toughen protections for problem gamblers with new laws that could include creating a new regulatory body that could order gambling firms to close problem gambler’s accounts.
According to the Irish Examiner, Irish Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan presented the proposed measure to the country’s Cabinet. The measures also include new restrictions on online and television advertisement and potential moves to regulate casinos.
Calls for tougher gambling restrictions have already been made by Ireland’s Republican Party Fianna Fáil, which has proposed a bill to tighten restrictions to protect vulnerable and underage gamblers. That bill also proposes creating an Office of Gambling Control in the country.
Chambers, a Republican party member, said problem gambling is increasing in the country and some 40,000 Irish residents are said to be at risk. Chambers said problem gambling is increasing and that local authorities have failed to properly regulate the issue.
The proposals include a mechanism to freeze or shut down the accounts of compulsive gamblers if it is proven they have lost more money than they can reasonably repay. The bill will also seek to regulate the casino sector with a new licensing system. It would also ban fixed-odd betting terminals in the country, according to the Examiner’s report.
