Belfast Telegraph: Politicians “dragging heels” on gambling reform
Daily evening newspaper wades into debate with editorial after Stormont All Party Group dubs Northern Ireland as the “Wild West”
One of Northern Ireland’s largest newspapers has called for a stronger regulatory framework amid growing concerns over gambling-related harms in the region.
An editorial from the Belfast Telegraph had suggested reformers looking to follow proposed changes in the neighbouring Republic of Ireland are being “left on the sidelines”.
The paper’s intervention came after Gordon Lyons, the Northern Ireland Assembly’s communities minister, said he had no plans to introduce a specific Northern Ireland Gambling Bill in June.
Responding to a written question from Jim Allister, the TUV leader who won the North Antrim seat in last Thursday’s general election at the expense of Ian Paisley Jr, Lyons was dismissive of the opportunity.
He said: “Having reflected on the issues, I have concluded that it would be impossible for a Bill of the magnitude and complexity required to be drafted and to have made its way through all Assembly scrutiny and legislative processes within the current mandate.
“For that reason, I have decided not to proceed with a gambling Bill in this mandate.”
The sector in Northern Ireland is currently regulated under the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (NI) Order 1985.
The regulation was reviewed in 2022 as part of a two-phase exploration of the sector, but the Assembly was dissolved that March, meaning progress was lost.
In its call for reform, the Belfast Telegraph drew comparisons to efforts made in the Republic, with plans there including the introduction of new consumer protections and a regulator.
The editorial reads: “However, those in Northern Ireland seeking greater safeguards enshrined in legislation which the gambling industry must abide by are being left on the sidelines.
“A consistent dragging of heels over matters which have the ability to save lives and families continues to dog the local political arena.
“With the Department for Communities saying the matter is complex and will require a considerable amount of time to get right, will some mechanism be put in place to at least start the process and prevent further heartache in the future? Don’t bet on it.”
Last month, Stormont’s All Party Group dubbed Northern Ireland the “Wild West” for gambling as politicians called for the industry to be marked as a “significant public health issue”.