The just-published Gambling Regulation Bill includes language that could ban all forms of gambling promotions in Ireland—and bring it in line with most EU jurisdictions. The bill should go into effect next year.
The bill would also create a regulated online market that could be taxed and would be placed under the umbrella of the newly created Gambling Regulatory Authority. This authority will bring together the functions of several agencies that have grown over the last century.
They include the courts, the Irish Tax Authority and the Department of Justice and Equality.
The position of chief executive officer of the Authority was created in September by the Minister of State for Law Reform.
Online gaming is not regulated in Eire, although many citizens are customers of offshore, unregulated operators.
Language that some have speculated might lead to a complete ban of promotions states: “A licensee to whom this chapter applies shall not offer an inducement to a person to participate, or continue to participate, in a relevant gambling activity.”
The industry will also pay to fund the establishment of a “social impact fund,” that will pay for projects that promote safe and responsible gambling, research, public education and services. The Authority will also have the power to set hours and days of operation.
The bill also bans credit cards as a transaction method.
The prime minister of the Republic of Ireland, Micheál Martin, said in a statement: “This approval by cabinet is significant and the publication of the bill is unquestionably a major milestone. It is an important and necessary piece of legislation, designed to meet the challenges of gambling responsibly in 21st-century Ireland.”
The Minister For Law Reform James Browne called the measure ““true milestone, designed to meet the challenges of gambling responsibly in 21st century Ireland”. He said that the bill created a framework for a “robust regulatory and licensing regime for the gambling sector in Ireland.”
The bill was hailed both locally and abroad.
European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) Secretary General Maarten Haijer said in a statement, “Today is a significant milestone, and we congratulate Minister Browne and his team for bringing forward the bill. EGBA fully supports the Irish government’s ongoing efforts to establish modern regulations that fit the digital age and bring the country’s regulatory framework into line with EU member states.”
Irish operators have also hailed the bill. Ian Proctor, chairman of Flutter U.K. and Ireland, called the developments a “critical milestone,” and added, “We look forward to assessing the detailed terms of the Bill when published, and working constructively with the new Authority to put in place effective measures. These should protect those that may be vulnerable to experiencing harm, while allowing the vast majority of our customers who enjoy gambling safely to do so.”
