Ireland’s Gambling Regulation Bill passes in “historic” moment
State minister James Browne welcomes long-awaited legislation which will provide a “simplified and coherent licensing framework” in what is the biggest change to the Emerald Isle’s gambling sector since the 1950s
Ireland is set for sweeping reforms to its gambling sector not seen since the 1950s after the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 passed through both Houses of the Oireachtas.
The legislation was given approval in the Dáil yesterday evening after already being given the green light by the upper house, the Seanad.
The Gambling Regulation Bill, the brainchild of the minister of state at the Department of Justice James Browne, will now go to President Michael D. Higgins for signature and ascension into law.
Browne’s remit to overhaul gambling regulation in Ireland came from an order directed by Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin when he came to office in June 2020.
The legislation will replace the existing “fragmented” framework of gambling regulation in Ireland comprised of the Totalisator Act 1929, the Betting Act 1931 and the Gaming and Lottery Act 1956.
The bill sets out a “modern and robust licencing and regulatory framework” for both land-based and online gambling, as well as creating an Irish regulator in the shape of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI).
Civil servant Anne Marie Caulfield has been appointed CEO of the GRAI on a four-year term, with a further 11 roles filled so far.
Those roles are spread across licensing, corporate services and IT, with further recruitment to take place on a phased basis once the bill is signed into law.
Following the enactment of the bill, the GRAI will establish a seven-person authority with a programme board created to “ensure that the legislation and the operational preparations are progressed in parallel”.
Up to the end of September, €3.3m has been spent on supporting the creation of the GRAI with the regulatory body due to receive a further €9.1m in 2025 as part of Ireland’s 2025 budget.
The GRAI will have the power to fine operators up to €20m should firms be found to be in breach of the new regulations.
Alongside the regulatory body, Ireland’s National Gambling Exclusion Register will be established. The bill will also create a Social Impact Fund for research and initiatives related to gambling harm and its treatment.
The bill introduces restrictions surrounding gambling marketing, with ads banned between 5.30am and 9pm, a total ban on social media advertising and the requirement for customers to actively opt-in to receive online ads.
Inducements including free bets, VIP schemes, free credit and free hospitality have also all been banned as part of the sweeping changes.
The restrictions have been lobbied against by the industry, with concerns that severe marketing clampdowns will result in leakage to the black market.
In a move to assuage those concerns, the legislation contains a “suite of measures to address illegal or criminal gambling activity and includes explicit prohibitions on illegal activity or practices, some of which could result in significant custodial sentences”.
Browne said he was “delighted” the legislation had passed through both houses after “many years of hard work”.
The minister said: “At its core, this legislation is a public health measure aimed at protecting our citizens from gambling harm, including younger people and those more vulnerable in our communities.
“When established, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland will have the necessary enforcement powers to enable it to take appropriate and focused action where providers are failing to comply with the provisions of the authority’s licensing terms, conditions and regulations.
“My officials and I have engaged in extensive consultation with representatives from the industry, the charity sector, related sectors as well as with professionals working in the area of problem gambling, persons adversely affected by the consequences of gambling and those with lived experience of problem gambling.”
Caulfield added the initial focus of the GRAI will be on licensing and ensuring operators that do secure a licence follow the legislation, with a “phased introduction” of the body’s functions.
She said: “The passage of the Gambling Regulation Bill is an important milestone towards the establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland which will ensure a well-regulated gambling sector while protecting the public from gambling harms.”