The Irish Cabinet recently approved the Courts and Civil Liabilities Bill which will modernize gaming regulations and reform the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956. The Act currently only regulates gaming at carnivals, circuses, amusement halls, arcades and funfairs, plus lotteries and raffles at sporting and entertainment events. Cabinet members said the new legislation will clarify Irish gambling law for consumers and commercial stakeholders.
Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar stated, “It is important the government puts in place a proper regulatory structure around gambling, both to regulate an industry from which many people get much pleasure but also one which gives rise to people becoming addicted, impoverished and unwell as a consequence. Legislation in this area is long overdue.”
The new bill will set a uniform minimum age limit of 18 years for all forms of licensed gambling, including purchasing lottery tickets and placing bets. Under-age individuals will not be allowed inside a bookmaker’s place of business. Current law allows persons age 16 or older to enter arcades or amusement halls where slot machines may be located.
Another provision will establish an independent regulatory authority for Ireland’s gambling industry. In addition, the bill will authorize self-exclusion for periods of six months to five years.
The bill also will raise the national lottery’s stakes and jackpot limits. Members of the Irish Assembly have expressed concern that local lotteries and charity raffles have been conducted without proper authorization. Under current law, a superintendent of the National Police must issue a permit for weekly lotteries up to $5,700, and the District Court must issue a license for lottery jackpot prizes of more than $34,500.
Due to “complexities” regarding implementation, the new legislation has been delayed. However, MPs said the first provisions will be introduced in the next parliamentary session.
