Ireland Passes Landmark Gambling Regulation Bill to be Enacted Within the Next Year

In a significant stride to reform its gambling industry, Ireland has successfully passed the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 into law. The act supports the establishment of a solid framework regarding the sector that fights against the illegal black market and combats problem gambling. The bill will serve as the legislative basis for the independent statutory body, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). It will also govern the legal framework for online and land-based gambling.

A New Statutory Authority

The Gambling Regulation Bill will be the foundation for the establishment of "Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann", essentially the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland. This statutory authority is expected to provide a contemporary and robust licensing system for both online and location-based gambling.

James Browne, Minister of State at the Department of Justice, welcomed the act's progress and expects it to set a benchmark for gambling regulation. He expressed his enthusiasm for the development, stating, "After many years of meticulous planning and collaboration, we are proud to introduce a legislative framework that not only modernizes our gambling regulations but also directly addresses the expansion of digital gambling."

Expected Changes

A highly anticipated development from this bill becoming law is the establishment of the National Gambling Exclusion Register to implement tight restrictions on gambling advertisements. The creation of a national self-exclusion program and a social impact fund to raise awareness on responsible gambling is supported.

The bill also covers the stringent legal measures to be taken against black market operations with potential custodial sentences for its violation. These provisions highlight the act's primary goal of creating a healthy gambling environment for the public.

Minister Brown noted, "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 (GRAI) 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."

Ample Preparations

GRAI will kick off operations next year once a board is appointed. The licensing body was incorporated into Ireland's 2025 budget, which was announced on October 1st. The authority will receive €9.1 million, including €4 million for ICT capital investments. Once operational, GRAI is expected to transform Ireland's gambling industry with more ethical and responsible measures to curb problem gambling and safeguard the public. Hopes are high that it will perform as well as the UK, which recently underwent changes in its legislative commission's governance.