The Gambling Regulation Bill, first introduced to Dáil Éireann in December 2022, has made significant progress toward modernising Ireland’s gambling laws.
The bill proposes a national self-exclusion scheme, bans on credit cards, and stricter regulations on advertising and bonuses.
During the session on 16 October, Labour Party deputy Brendan Howlin acknowledged the urgency of passing the bill, stating, “It is urgently needed because it deals with one of the most pressing social issues.”
Today, the Irish government passed the Gambling Regulation Bill
In 2023, we were commissioned to research the true extent & causes of problem gambling
Our report estimated that 1-in-30 adults in Ireland suffer from problem gambling – 10 times higher than a previous measure pic.twitter.com/4PPm8BR1yx
— Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) (@ESRIDublin) October 17, 2024
However, the bill faces potential delays due to the upcoming general election, which must be held by March 2025.
James Browne, the lead deputy, expressed hopes for the bill’s enactment within the year but acknowledged, “We can never be certain about these things.”
One critical amendment passed during the final session empowers the regulator to publish details of any violations by licensees and to seek court orders to block illegal advertising. Browne remarked, “It is an important, effective regulatory tool used in other jurisdictions.”
However, concerns over the bill’s complexity were raised by several members. Howlin noted, “We are dealing with a very broad spectrum of amendments,” adding that some issues should not have been included at this late stage.
The bill also prevents gambling licensees from online marketing, but concerns were flagged that operators might bypass this through indirect methods like offering freebies.
Nonetheless, Browne remains satisfied that the regulations will address most advertising loopholes, ensuring a stronger framework to protect players.
