Lawmakers receive backlash after offering to give charities a break
Lawmakers in the Dáil Éireann (Irish Lower House) debated on April 24 whether charities should still be included in Gambling Regulation Bill 2022. The Irish Times reported that the Opposition had proposed a total exemption, but the amendment was ultimately voted down.
James Browne, Minister of State at the Department of Justice, proposed enforcing a cap on the maximum wins in charity draws, which was also defeated. Had lawmakers approved the €10,000 (US$10,716) threshold, only ads related to charitable gaming where the max win is over €10,000 would have been banned between 9:00 PM and 5:30 AM.
Sinn Féin party spokesman Pearse Doherty, who was involved in a heated discussion with Browne, was among those in favor of lifting the ban on charities.
Doherty labeled the portion of the bill regarding charities as “problematic.” He said that a full ban would “crush the fundraising ability of local organizations,” including clubs belonging to the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and charities that could not apply the €10,000 limit.Â
However, The Irish Times reported that Browne was strongly against a complete exemption, stressing that the bill’s €10,000 limit would only apply to how the draws were promoted and not their overall choice of rewards.
Those opposed to the Gambling Regulation Bill aren’t only concerned about charities. The horse racing and sports betting industry and broadcasters have expressed their opinions on banning gambling ads. They say it would make it hard to justify Irish horse racing broadcasting due to increased costs. The horse racing industry is also concerned that the ban would result in job losses and funding cuts.
