Lawmakers have approved new gambling legislation that first appeared over two years ago
Ireland has officially passed the long-awaited Gambling Regulation Bill, marking a significant overhaul of the country’s gambling laws for the first time in decades. This reform, which had been in the works for several years, introduces a wide range of measures to better regulate the betting industry. The bill has now cleared both Houses of the Oireachtas and is set to establish the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland.
This new authority will oversee licensing and ensure compliance with the updated regulations across the sector. One of the standout provisions of the new law is a restriction on gambling advertisements, which will be banned from airing between 5:30 AM and 9:00 PM. Additionally, a Social Impact Fund will be created to support awareness initiatives, and measures are being put in place to combat black market activities.
Another key part of the reform is the introduction of a National Gambling Exclusion Register, designed to help individuals struggling with problem gambling by allowing them to self-exclude from betting platforms. The bill also prohibits inducements, which are offers or incentives aimed at encouraging gambling, further safeguarding vulnerable groups.
Minister of State for the Department of Justice James Browne expressed his satisfaction with the bill’s passage, noting that it addresses the rise of digital gambling and aims to protect citizens from gambling-related harm. Anne Marie Caulfield, the CEO designate of the new regulatory authority, emphasized that while much work remains, the focus will initially be on ensuring licensees comply with the law while also tackling problem gambling through a phased introduction of the authority’s functions.
This sweeping reform signals a new era for Ireland’s gambling industry, aligning it more closely with modern practices and public health concerns.
