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Gambling laws in Ireland have been the subject of much recent debate. With technological advances opening up new ways to gamble, legislation has had to be reviewed and adapted accordingly. The first draft of the Gambling Regulation Bill was published in December 2022, providing much-needed clarity on the current state of gambling in Ireland. Certainly, legislators have taken steps to reduce the appeal of online gambling games, tackle related harms, and ensure players’ protection from financial losses.

Now, some platforms do not comply with the standards, which can expose players to excessive risk. Of course, those who want to gamble in reliable establishments can check the newest sites list and discover the most legal and accountable platforms. But it is necessary to improve the regulation nationwide to ensure all venues adhere to the same standards. And the goal is to allow people control over how and when they engage in gambling activities.

Why is Gambling Regulation Essential in Ireland?

You may wonder why legislation is required for gambling in Ireland. The answer lies within the realm of consumer protection and promoting responsibility among both participants and providers. Gamblers who request a withdrawal need to be provided with freedom of choice at each step, and in this regard, the legislation provides an important framework. The same framework applies in the advertising sector, ensuring that any rhetoric used is appropriate and adheres to specific regulations.

One of the most serious issues for gambling legislation in Ireland is underage accessibility. To protect the core group of vulnerable consumers, all licensed operators should employ strict identity checks, verify overall age and require valid documentation from customers that establish eligibility. Furthermore, encouraging measures may work towards gamblers exercising self-control over their betting behaviour; for example, deposit limits and timers between transactions can help to ensure players don’t spend too much money or time on games.

One of the key elements of gambling legislation in Ireland is that it helps to create a sense of security among players. Such protection empowers them and ensures they can make informed decisions when selecting operators, playing games, or indulging in promotional bonuses.

The New Gambling Rules in Ireland

Under the draft of what is already popularly known as ‘The Gaming Bill’, stricter regulation will be introduced, with the majority of emphasis being placed on protecting vulnerable persons. The Bill proposes that all online gambling providers must hold a licence issued by The Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRAI), and operators failing to do so could incur significant fines and even imprisonment.

The Bill imposes a more sophisticated system of licencing conditions, which have been designed to ensure players are correctly protected. It would also require operators to be transparent with fees and procedures while limiting advertising for minors. It should be noted that operators licensed in other jurisdictions will not automatically receive a licence for Ireland, so certain preparation is needed to enter this market.

According to the bill, the current structure of licensing will be divided into three categories: 

• Business-to-Consumer Licences. These include the familiar Betting, Gaming and Lottery Licences we’re used to.

• Business to Business Licences. This new licence category is intended to cover and govern the suppliers who sell gambling products or services to businesses.

• Charitable/Philanthropic Licences. This new category should reduce the ‘red-tape’ needed to participate in fundraising activities.

The significant changes will affect how gambling activities are advertised, aiming to limit their reach. Advertising will be banned on radio, television and on-demand audio services between 05.30 am and 09.00 pm; the content has to be explicit in that it must clearly identify itself as a gambling advertisement, license details added where appropriate, plus warnings to discourage excessive or compulsive wagering. Children’s appeal is also discouraged by prohibitions of adverts featuring cartoon characters or incentive promotions aimed at them.

The National Gambling Exclusion Register, to be maintained by the GRAI, is also due to come into force. With this platform in place, vulnerable individuals or those suffering from gambling addiction can apply for exclusion, and licensees must comply with such requests. As for banking methods, The Gaming Bill also proposes to ban credit players from gambling activities completely. This would mean that operators and gambling websites in Ireland will no longer be able to accept credit cards or facilitate any form of loan in relation to betting activities. 

All these new provisions should help shape the future requirements concerning regulated gambling in Ireland, and operators will need to comply with them to continue their activity in the country.

Industry Reaction to the New Regulation

It appears industry representatives have warmly welcomed the latest developments. Maarten Haijer, Secretary-General of EGBAR (European Gaming and Betting Association), stated that the Bill is a significant milestone, supporting the Irish Government’s modern regulations fitting into the digital age.

Other industry leaders have also expressed satisfaction with the proposed rules, sure that they would clarify and provide better protection to players and licensees. While new rules are pretty restrictive to operators, the long-term predictability should outweigh the complexities and provide numerous opportunities in the iGaming market. The trend, however, is clear, with more and more countries keen to establish themselves as key players in the international gaming market.