The Republic of Ireland is all set for a new gambling regulator. What will the new framework cover? and will it benefit Irish gamblers? (Image from Pixabay)
The Republic of Ireland will introduce a new gambling regulator later this year in order to modernise the current legislation which dates back to as early as 1931. The latest update in the gambling legislation will see the creation and operation of a new extremely powerful regulator which James Browne, the Republic of Minister of State for Justice, expressed will concentrate mainly on public health and wellbeing.
However, Labor Senator Mark Wall has issued for action to be taken sooner. Wall stated that there is already excessive exposure to gambling advertisements and that there have been stories of the younger generation already all too aware of such highly addictive behaviour, suggesting that children as young as six, who are homeschooling have even questioned parents on what these betting companies actually offer.
The average annual amount spent by Ireland is also a concern for Wall, with an estimated €9.8billion contributing to the betting market including Republic of Ireland online casinos. Browne has detailed that the new power regulator, due to launch later in 2021, will comprise a watchdog that employs over 100 people and that it will include a review of public health and wellbeing and all options of improvements will be considered within the new dedicated department. They will enforce a strict code of practice in which the new regulator can issue fines in the event of non-compliance. Brown stressed that counteracting certain issues of gaming advertising would be a challenging task and that completely banning betting advertising would be difficult, given there is so much influence coming from countries outside.
The busy sporting schedule includes popular daily horse racing events, domestic and other top-flight international competitions taking place on weekends too, making it difficult to reduce the use of gambling advertisements.
Ireland New Gambling Regulator To Clear Up Inconsistencies
Browne revealed the reason that Ireland’s regulatory has become inconsistent and fragmented is because of the variety of departments and agencies handling the responsibility to control the number of gambling advertisements but hopes this will change with the appointment of a new regulator. The Irish Labour Party had introduced the Gambling (Prohibition of Advertising) Bill to the Oireachtas back in February this year to introduce a ban on gambling advertisements shown on televised sporting events. Two of Ireland’s most prestigious authorities in sport, the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and Gaelic Players Association (GPA) have backed this introduction.
Both called for the ban on gambling advertisements and even a reduction of sports shown which involved betting, with Wall stating he has had contact from relevant authorities to limit the amount of advertising of the more popular sports, where people can enjoy watching without the need and encouragement to gamble during these events.
President to monitor UK gambling review results
Michael Higgins, the President of Ireland, has also criticised gambling advertisements and confirmed that Irish administrators will follow the results from the UK gambling review with great interest. There are issues that remain in the sponsorship of sport that will be under discussion and a crackdown is likely on the cards for partnerships between sports clubs and gambling operators and sportsbooks mentioned, with Boris Johnson and his advisors in full support.
Higgins described sports betting as dangerous and a scourge after being elected back in 2011 and with the latest review in the UK closely monitored, has suggested that Ireland could follow suit in the future as the UK looks to overhaul the 2005 Gambling Act.
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