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Oireachtas passes ‘historic’ gambling law

A bill that modernises the law on gambling and sets up a new regulatory body for the sector has passed through both Houses of the Oireachtas.

The Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 replaces a current regime that is based on various pieces of legislation dating from between 1929 and 1956. 

The bill sets out the framework and legislative basis for the establishment of a new, independent statutory body – Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann (the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland).

Advertising

It will allow the watchdog to prescribe the times, place, and events where gambling advertising can be broadcast, displayed or published.

The authority can also specify how often advertising can be broadcast, the duration of advertisements, and the number of advertisements that can be shown.

The bill also provides for what the Department of Justice describes as a “modern and robust” licensing and regulatory framework for both in-person and online gambling.

It will enable the establishment of a National Gambling Exclusion Register and the creation of a Social Impact Fund that will support awareness–raising and educational measures, as well as treatment activities for problem gambling.

The bill also contains measures aimed at addressing black-market gambling operators.

‘Public-health measure’

Describing the legislation as “historic”, Minister of State James Browne said that the bill’s passage was the result of “many years” of hard work.

“At its core, this legislation is a public-health measure aimed at protecting our citizens from gambling harm, including younger people and those more vulnerable in our communities,” he added.

Once the bill is enacted, the new regulator will be set up with a seven-person authority.

Anne Marie Caulfield, who had already been appointed as chief executive designate of the new watchdog, said that it would focus initially on licensing.

The authority will receive just over €9 million in funding next year, which includes €4 million for capital investment.