Ireland’s Gambling Bill Nears Completion as Senators Debate Ad Ban

Ireland's Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 is moving closer to becoming law, following a committee debate in the Irish Senate (Seanad Éireann) on 25 and 26 September.

The bill, which was introduced to the house on 2 December 2022, aims to create a regulated online gambling market in the country, with oversight from a new statutory body, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland.

Among the key provisions of the bill are the establishment of a national self-exclusion scheme and the creation of a social impact fund, which will be supported by a mandatory levy on gambling operators. Additionally, new regulations will include protections for vulnerable groups, such as banning credit card betting and restricting gambling advertising.

After being delayed at the committee stage since May, the bill is now set to reach the report stage. This means that once final statements are made in Dáil Éireann (the lower house of parliament), the bill can be signed into law by President Michael Higgins.

Several senators expressed their support for the bill, praising the work of James Browne, Ireland’s Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality. Senator Shane Cassells commended Browne, saying, "It is to his credit that the minister of state Deputy Browne has stayed the course in compiling such detailed and very much-needed legislation." He added, "I commend the minister on ensuring its passage and making sure it got to this stage. I hope we see it passed and brought into law because the pressing need for it is greater now than ever."

Minister Rejects Full Ban on Gambling Advertising

Concerns over the extent of gambling advertising were raised during the debate, with Senator Michael McDowell warning that regulation could lead Ireland "down the same road as the United Kingdom." He explained, "If anybody here watches satellite TV to the extent I do they will know that virtually everything is infected by gambling."

While the bill will impose restrictions on gambling advertising, Senator Mark Wall pushed for an outright ban as an amendment. However, Minister Browne did not support the proposal for a total prohibition. Instead, he stated that the restrictions would include a watershed for gambling ads on television and radio.

Browne explained that the new regulator would have broad powers to control when, where, and during which events gambling ads could be broadcast. "As I have previously stated, I have concerns about adopting an absolute ban on advertising from the outset. Gambling is a lawful and legitimate activity and the bill, as amended by the Dáil, further empowers the authority to be able to react and regulate advertising accordingly," Browne said.

The debate on the bill was adjourned and is set to continue on Wednesday, 2 October. 

By fLEXI tEAM