The recently proposed Gambling Regulation Bill in Ireland includes a provision that consumers must “opt in” before they can be sent gambling ads in streaming, video services and on social media.
That’s actually a step down from the proposed total ban on gambling ads on social media that lawmakers proposed last month. That was removed from the final draft of the bill.
Minister for Law Reform James Browne, who is carrying the bill in the Irish parliament (Oireachtas), commented, “It is intended that a person may only receive gambling advertising where they opt in to receiving it on an on-demand or media sharing platform or, in the case of social media, only where a person subscribes to such services and platforms and gives their consent to receiving such advertising.”
He added, “The bill also provides for a wide-ranging power to allow the Authority to prescribe the times, places and events where gambling advertising can be broadcast, displayed or published, and to specify the frequency, duration and amount of advertisements.” Such ads will be prohibited between 5:30 a.m. and 9 p.m.
He also clarified that free bets and inducements would not be totally banned, but such promotions may not be aimed at “a person.” Companies and their officers could be subject to fine for such violations. “This includes the offer of hospitality or VIP treatment, free bets or favorable treatment/better odds to entice a person to gamble,” he said.
The bill could still be amended in the Dáil, the lower house. Once approved there it will go to the Senate—and if approved there, to the president for his approval.
