The Irish gambling bill, officially titled the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022, is entering its final stages after what has been a long, drawn-out process. The bill’s finer details are being thrashed out by Irish senators before it will be enshrined in law.
Naturally, this legislation will have a significant impact on operators and players in Ireland. Let’s take a look at the Irish gambling bill in more detail and discuss what it will mean for the industry moving forward.
Focus on Player Safeguarding
The primary focus of the Irish gambling bill is player safeguarding, and the legislation is looking to introduce a raft of changes in an effort to reduce the impact of gambling-related harm on players in the country.
The first of these is a national self-exclusion scheme which will be established as part of the legislation. This will allow vulnerable players the opportunity to exclude themselves from gambling services and protect themselves from further harm.
Operators in the country may also face further restrictions, including a ban on the use of credit cards, designed to offer extra safeguarding for vulnerable players.
Additionally, the Irish gambling bill will establish a social impact fund. This will be financed by a mandatory levy and will offer support to those suffering from the impact of gambling-related harm.
Once passed, the bill will establish an organisation called the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland. This body will be responsible for overseeing gambling activity in the country and ensuring all operators adhere to laws and regulations.
Ban on Bonuses
When the bill was first proposed in December 2022, it recommended a complete ban on all kinds of gambling bonuses and promotions. This has since been scaled back, with the legislation now permitting operators to offer free bets, with restrictions on how players can be targeted.
However, some senators are recommending that a full ban on gambling bonuses and promotions be reintroduced before the bill is passed. Senator Lynn Ruane drew comparisons with other regulated industries, such as alcohol and tobacco, maintaining that the gambling sector should face similar restrictions on promotional activity.
Restricted Advertising
Another key component of the Irish gambling bill includes restrictions on advertising. While a blanket ban on all forms of advertising has been ruled out, the legislation will introduce a number of restrictions designed to limit the risk posed by these adverts.
The exact details of these restrictions are still to be finalised but will likely include rules on the time and placement of gambling adverts on TV and radio platforms.
The newly established regulatory body will be given extensive powers, allowing it to dictate when and where specific gambling adverts can run.
Conclusion
The Irish gambling bill will soon pass to the report stage, the final step before it can be passed into law. As the final details are confirmed, operators within the country must ensure they are prepared to meet new regulations. The bill puts player safety front and centre and the Irish government will hope it can reduce the impact of gambling-related harm while also allowing operators to flourish.
