The Irish Government has approved legislation that will see wide-ranging changes to how gambling companies operate in the Republic.
The cabinet met yesterday to discuss and give final approval to the Gambling Regulation Bill which sees a total ban on all social media advertising and the end of sponsorship for any sports club that has underage teams or athletes.
According to a government announcement the new bill includes:
- A ban on advertising that may be seen by children or ads that encourage excessive gambling
- A ban on the broadcasting of gambling ads on TV or radio between 5.30am and 9pm
- A ban on the use of credit cards for gambling
- No free bets or promotions allowed
- No ATMs allowed in betting shops or gambling facilities
The government will also create a national gambling exclusion register for online gambling. There will also be a social impact fund that will be directly funded by fees, taxes, and fines paid by gambling operators. This fund will finance problem gambling programs.
Speaking of the need for the fund and new restrictions, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said:
“When gambling becomes a problem for an individual or a family the impact can be absolutely devastating. There are, of course, many people in our country who enjoy a bet, and for whom it’s part of their social life, but we must also acknowledge and safeguard against the truly awful impact that gambling addiction can and does have on some families and communities.”
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee added:
“At the heart of the Bill is the establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, an independent body equipped to enforce regulation of the gambling sector. The Bill will ensure that the Gambling Regulatory Authority can appropriately, meaningfully and swiftly respond to ongoing and future developments in the gambling sector. The focus on preventing harm is of vital importance. As a former Minister of Mental Health and as a local representative, I have seen the damaging impact gambling addiction can have on people and families, particularly on their mental health.”
The bill will be published in its entirety in the coming weeks.
Ciaran has been working within the Gambling Industry as a deep analyst since 2019. His deep knowledge and understanding of all the gambling regulations, and processes makes him a true asset, and an always valuable point of view for Gambling Industry News, allowing us to cover every topics from a brand new perspective.