The government is putting the final touches on its biggest gambling reforms to date
Ireland is set to introduce new gambling legislation by October, despite ongoing lobbying efforts from the betting industry. Justice Minister James Browne, who spearheaded the Gambling Regulation Bill in 2022, confirmed that a final vote on the proposals is expected to take place in the coming weeks.
The bill, currently under review by the Seanad, includes several significant measures to tighten gambling sector regulations. Key elements of the legislation include the creation of a national gambling regulator, the establishment of a social impact fund to tackle problem gambling, and a ban on gambling advertisements across television, radio, and on-demand services between 5:30 A.M. and 9:00 P.M.
Minister Browne has been firm in resisting pressure from major betting operators and media companies, who have been pushing for amendments to weaken advertising restrictions and relax stake limits for slot machines. Despite these efforts, the Minister has allowed some changes concerning charity lotteries but remains committed to maintaining strong protections against the potential harms of gambling.
The proposed legislation reflects growing concerns about the influence of gambling advertisements, particularly on young adults. A recent study by the Institute for Social Marketing and Health at the University of Stirling highlighted the pervasive nature of these ads, with young participants reporting frequent exposure across various media, especially in connection with sports.
It is expected that the bill is approaching its final stages and it marks a significant step toward modernizing Ireland’s approach to gambling regulation. This aims to balance industry interests with the need to protect vulnerable populations from the risks associated with gambling.
Emma Rodriguez is the Proofreader at the Big Blind, with seven years of experience and five years in online gambling. She plays a crucial role in maintaining content quality by ensuring error-free, reader-friendly information about the gambling industry.
