If you are living in Ireland you should have known that
Ireland Is About to Introduce Its First-Ever Gambling Regulation Bill. This has been drafted and created due to the alarming number of citizens getting addicted to gambling.
IN SUMMARY:- New gambling legislation and a new national regulator are on their way
- The new bill seeks to regulate advertisements and sponsorships in addition to core betting activities
- The initiative is meant to help prevent problem gaming
A little background on the Gambling Regulation Bill[1]:
Earlier in 2021 the Department of Justice outlined its targeted timeframe for the reform of Irish gambling law and the establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (the Authority) in its 'Justice Plan 2021' and its 'Statement of Strategy 2021-2023'.
The Justice Plan envisaged that a fully independent Director / CEO of the new statutory gambling regulatory authority would be established by Q4 2021. Although the timelines in the Justice Plan have not been fully adhered to, the Department of Justice is taking steps towards the Authority becoming operational and recently published an advertisement on 25 February 2022 seeking candidates for appointment to the role of CEO to establish and lead the new Authority.
If anyone is interested you can find the presentation of the proposed bill here:
General Scheme of Gambling Regulation Bill and the pdf copy
here.
Among the proposed presentation here is the summary of steps the proposed Gambling Regulation Bill is implementing regarding how to solve the increasing Gambling Problem.
Part 5 - Safeguards, Advertising, Sponsorship and Social Impact Fund[2]
The Authority will have the ability to address advertisement of gambling across all forms of media, as well as addressing the issue of sponsorship by gambling companies.
The approach here importantly reflects that the Authority cannot address all these issues in isolation or unilaterally, and recognises the importance of cooperation between all bodies with responsibility for advertising, as well as the importance of consultation with concerned stakeholders.
The Authority will be empowered to issue codes, tied to enforceable sanctions for breach of terms and conditions of a licence, to address advertising, and to regulate promotions and sponsorship by licence holders. This approach will provide the Authority with greater flexibility in addressing current concerns and future developments. Some of these measures to be included in the codes are:
- the times and frequency which gambling advertising can appear on television, radio, and other media platforms each day
- a prohibition on the use of children or elements which may appeal to children in advertisements
Equally as important, Part 5 also includes measures and safeguards to address problem gambling, the protection of children, to ensure public safety and well-being, and consumer protection including:
- prohibitions on the offer of inducements such as free bets, VIP or preferential treatment
- prohibitions on the offer of credit or credit facilities to players
- spending limits where practicable
- restricting payment methods (such as credit cards)
- requirements around warnings and messaging
- prohibiting children from gambling and employing children in connection with gambling services
In addition, this Part will also establish a Social Impact Fund for the purposes of financing research and information, education and awareness raising measures, and appropriately supporting problem gambling treatment activities by relevant health professionals
Read more on page 172 of the
General Scheme of the Gambling Regulation Bill pdf.
To Discuss:
It is notable that part 5 of the said bill is all about mitigating problem gambling and protecting minors against gambling exposure. If you are to evaluate the plans stated in Part 5 of the bill, will it be effective in the mitigation of the Gambling Problem? Will it effectively protect minors from the influence of the gambling environment?
Source:
[1]
https://www.algoodbody.com/insights-publications/gambling-regulatory-authority-of-ireland-a-step-closer[2]
https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/426dd-minister-browne-publishes-general-scheme-of-gambling-regulation-bill/#