Gambling is one of the most cherished pastimes amongst the Irish population, with statistics from 2022 reflecting that almost one half of the population engage in gambling regularly. It is a leisure activity at the centre of Irish culture, partly owing to Ireland’s rich sporting history, particularly in relation to horse and greyhound racing. It’s no wonder, therefore, that the Irish government is keen to regulate the industry to ensure that it is a safe space for all punters to enjoy. Looking at Betfree, we can see the sheer number of betting sites that operate in Ireland. Figures show that 0.3% of the Irish population struggle with a gambling problem, and much of the incoming regulatory changes are aimed at taking a proactive approach towards tackling problematic gambling. Of course, most punters enjoy gambling recreationally without any detriment to their personal circumstances, and so you may feel this does not apply to you. In which case, you’re likely keen to understand what impact these measures may have on your hobby. If you’re an Irish citizen who enjoys a spot of gambling on the weekend, and you’re eager to know how these changes will affect the gambling landscape, you’re in the right place. Let’s delve into the nuances of the new regulations and gain a clearer view of what these measures will mean in practical terms.
What is the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022?
The Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 was first published on the 2nd December 2022 and is aimed at overhauling the, quite frankly, outdated gambling regulation statutes which date back to 1931 and 1956. The hope is that this Bill will modernise both licensing and regulation within the gambling industry, reducing the prevalence of unfair and unethical practices within the sector, while promoting the wellbeing of any Irish person who enjoys gambling. The implementation of the new Bill is going to be supervised by a new gambling regulator, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). The Bill was intended to be enacted by 2023, but has seen a number of amendments throughout 2023 and the beginning of 2024, and so will likely come into fruition by 2025.
Advertising restrictions
Perhaps the most significant impact the Bill will have is on the advertising remit that gambling companies will have going forwards. Specifically, gambling companies will no longer be able to advertise between the hours of 5:30am to 9:00pm. Advertisers will also face a number of restrictions aimed at preventing children and teenagers from being exposed to gambling advertisements. But it is not just the time windows and intended audiences of advertisements that will be regulated; the nature of advertisements will also be influenced. The Bill includes a specific regulation which dictates that advertisements should not ‘confuse the public’ when it comes to illustrating advantages to gambling. For example, showing excessive celebration and a lavish lifestyle following on from a bout of gambling. If you’re already a punter, this element of the Bill is unlikely to have any impact on your enjoyment of gambling. It is instead aimed at safeguarding vulnerable individuals in society, which we can likely all agree is a good thing.
Credit card restrictions
Perhaps the most concrete impact of the bill, for punters, will be the restriction that it will place on the use of credit cards to make deposits to gambling websites. Sites will be banned from allowing players to use credit cards as a form of payment. This will apply to all card types, and is aimed at reducing harm to the Irish public. The thinking behind this is that gambling should be used as a recreational outlet, funded, like most hobbies, with disposable income, and so if someone is using money they don’t have to make deposits, the activity is likely becoming detrimental to their life circumstances and wellbeing.
Charity and Philanthropy
If you’re a charity or organisation involved with philanthropy and humanitarian pursuits, you will be glad to hear that the new Bill will provide for a new type of licence. This licence will permit advertising and gambling in relation to charitable causes. Historically, this has been limited to the lottery. Going forwards, this will mean that advertising restrictions and limitations will not be placed on these sorts of events. This part of the new legislation seeks to preserve gambling and gaming as a means of generating community support for positive causes that we can all get behind.
Conclusion
The Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 is an extensive Bill, with various elements to it, and while the numerous clauses may seem confusing, the intention behind the Bill is simple; it is aimed at protecting vulnerable individuals for whom gambling has become a detrimental force in their life, and ensuring that youngsters are not engaging in gambling, or being enticed into it during early adulthood. For most punters, the regulation will have minimal effect, and you will still be able to enjoy your weekly bet on the football, or your favourite horse race.
