The Emerald Isle is set to establish a regulatory authority and prohibit free wagers and daytime promotional campaigns.
The Irish administration has enacted a novel gambling regulation act that will implement a series of gambling reforms.
The legislation will create a new licensing and oversight framework for the sector, spearheaded by the Minister of State for Legal Reform, James Browne. A new statutory entity will be formed to serve as the nation’s regulator, the Gambling Regulatory Authority.
At present, gambling is overseen by a decentralized governance structure that encompasses multiple government branches; including the Department of Justice and Equality, the Revenue Commissioners of the Irish Revenue and the District Courts.
The new entity will possess extensive authority to regulate advertising and gambling activities, grant licenses to businesses, and impose penalties and fines.
“Cabinet approval is a significant development, and the release of the bill is undoubtedly a major landmark. This is crucial and essential legislation to address the challenges of responsible gambling in 21st century Ireland,” stated Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin.
This highly anticipated and essential bill adopts a prudent approach to balancing the liberty to wager with safeguards to shield individuals from the perils of dependency. The legislation presents a more defined structure for both operators and patrons.
The Emerald Isle is implementing a novel gambling licensing system.
Under this fresh system, three distinct license classifications will be established for remote and in-person gambling. These will encompass B2C gaming, wagering, and lottery permits, B2B licenses, and charitable licenses.
“Revamping gambling laws and oversight in Ireland was a central pledge in our government’s Program for Governance and our Justice Plan, and has been one of my top priorities as Minister,” stated Browne. “I am thrilled to bring this draft legislation to this juncture and anticipate its publication and advancement through the Houses of the Oireachtas.
“This legislation will establish a gambling regulator that will be resolute, emphasizing harm mitigation for those at risk of problematic gambling, particularly safeguarding minors, and concentrating on enforcing a strong, contemporary regulatory framework for the gambling sector.
Browne cautioned that operators persisting in providing illicit gambling services could face criminal sanctions.
It is crucial to ensure that gambling firms operating without authorization from the governing body or violating the stipulations of their permit face severe consequences. A potential penalty could involve a maximum of eight years of confinement and/or a financial penalty determined by the judicial system.
**Revised regulations**
The newly implemented regulations, an integral component of the revised legislation, will significantly alter the manner in which gambling is promoted. There will be stringent limitations imposed on gambling advertisements, encompassing a complete prohibition on their dissemination from 5:30 am to 9:00 pm. Additionally, incentives such as free bets and special promotions will be strictly forbidden.
“The government’s primary focus will be on exercising rigorous control over gambling advertisements. The new legislation will prohibit advertisements targeting minors and those that encourage excessive gambling,” Brown stated.
“In this era of digital dominance, to effectively prevent gambling advertisements from proliferating across social media platforms, they will be prohibited by default.”
“The legislation also incorporates provisions aimed at mitigating the detrimental effects of gambling. It will establish a national registry of individuals seeking to cease gambling activities. The law will prohibit the use of credit cards for gambling purposes. The government will possess the authority to restrict companies from offering special deals and promotional incentives.
“A dedicated fund will be established to provide assistance to individuals impacted by gambling. This fund will be administered by the government and financed by the gambling industry.”
These funds will be allocated to assist individuals struggling with gambling addiction and to educate the public about the risks associated with gambling.
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