Irish Gambling Regulation Bill debated

Date: 2024-09-30 Author: Alex Crawford Categories: EVENTS
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The Irish Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 has generated intense debate in the Oireachtas, with senators voicing both support and concerns about the proposed measure, which aims to modernise and regulate the fast-growing gambling industry. Discussions covered a wide range of topics, including gambling advertising and the protection of vulnerable groups such as minors.

Restrictions on Gambling Advertising

A number of amendments to the bill were considered by senators at sittings in Dáil Éireann on Wednesday and Thursday. One of these was Amendment 53, which would provide the regulator with additional resources to research online gambling trends and technologies. The main debate centred around this amendment, highlighting the need to adapt to changes in a fast-paced and digital environment.

One of the most controversial points in the bill was the proposed ban on gambling advertising between 5.30am and 9pm. The move is aimed at protecting children and vulnerable citizens from gambling-related content. Senator Tim Lombar of Fine Gael shared his personal experience of being exposed to gambling adverts just 30 seconds after turning on Spotify in a car with children.

“We need to make sure we protect our young people. The current measures are clearly not enough,” Lombar said.

Despite growing concerns, this partial ban on gambling advertising has faced stiff resistance. Horse racing channels such as Racing TV and Sky Sports Racing have spoken out against the ban, pointing out the inextricable link between horse racing and betting. However, Senator Shane Cassels countered this argument, calling on the industry to diversify its revenue streams and reduce its reliance on gambling.

Modern Solutions for an Evolving Industry

Cassels has emerged as one of the most vocal advocates for tighter regulation. He has slammed the gambling industry’s lobbying to weaken the bill. He said gambling addiction was becoming an increasingly serious social problem and condemned members of both houses of the Oireachtas who lobbied for the gambling industry.

“It’s a shame that such members exist. I encourage them to come to gambling addiction meetings where I see people losing everything: money, family, businesses and homes,” Cassels said.

Many senators also agreed that regulation was needed for an industry that has evolved significantly from traditional land-based betting. Senator Alice-Marie Higgins added that the new gambling regulator should be on top of emerging trends such as loot boxes in video games, which have “intrinsic” links to gambling. She called for proactive action against these new forms of gambling aimed at younger audiences.

“If the regulator doesn’t look at these trends and anticipate them, we will once again find ourselves debating new developments after they have emerged,” Higgins said.

While Government Secretary James Brown has been praised for leading the bill, the ongoing debate suggests the road to passage could be challenging. Senators across the political spectrum acknowledge the need for effective regulation, but the specifics of how best to protect consumers and allow the industry to grow remain contentious.
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