New gambling regulations for Ireland
The Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 was passed last week by the Dáil Éireann (Assembly of Ireland). The bill sees a raft of changes designed to protect gamblers while bringing the country’s gambling legislation more in line with other jurisdictions.
Welcome developments
James Browne, Minister of State, said:
“I am truly delighted to welcome the passage of this long-awaited legislation,” adding, “it provides for a new streamlined, simplified and coherent licensing framework – one that reflects the nature of gambling in modern society.”
Browne also stressed that the new legislation was designed to meet the needs of a customer base moving increasingly towards online play.
Challenges ahead
The new Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has a challenging ‘to do list’ to tackle in the coming months, including:
- The implementation of a Social Impact Fund, designed to finance research
- Tackling unlicensed, illegal and black market gambling activities
- Protecting the public from gambling harm – with a particular focus on supporting young people and the vulnerable
- Enforcement powers to take action where providers aren’t complying with the Authority’s licensing terms, conditions and regulations
- Maintenance of a nationwide self-exclusion register
With an estimated 1 in 30 Irish adults displaying problem gambling behaviours, it’s no surprise that a more robust approach to regulation has been instigated.
'Milestone'
CEO Designate of the GRAI, Anne Marie Caulfield is well aware what a milestone this will be for the gambling industry in Ireland:
“...the establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland will ensure a well-regulated gambling sector while protecting the public from gambling harms… I am determined to ensure that licensees operate in accordance with the legislation while also fulfilling our mandate to establish safeguards to address problem gambling. We are also committed to engaging with stakeholders as we establish this new regulatory regime for Ireland’s gambling and gaming sector.”
Setting out its stall
The GRAI has its work cut out. The seven person body is said to be looking closely at the initiatives introduced by Britain's Gambling Commission (UKGC) in recent years – what’s worked, what hasn’t, what should they draw inspiration from? What is evident though is the new Irish body needs to be both proactive and decisive to set out its stall in what has historically been an unpredictable, even volatile industry, in Ireland.