Ireland prepares to open up gambling market

Ireland is set to introduce new gambling laws, despite continued pressure from the gambling industry. The Minister for Justice, James Browne, introduced the Gambling Regulation Bill in 2022 and has now confirmed that a final vote on the legislation will take place shortly.

The Bill, currently being considered by the Council of Ministers, envisages significant reform of the Irish gambling sector. One of the key points in the Bill is the establishment of a national gambling regulator, or gambling authority. It also includes a social impact fund aimed at combating gambling addiction.

A particularly drastic provision is the ban on gambling advertisements, which are shown on television, radio and on-demand services during peak hours, specifically between 5:30am and 9pm. This measure is intended to protect vulnerable groups, particularly young people, from excessive exposure to gambling advertising.

Industry resistance and the social impact of gambling

Despite significant lobbying by major gambling operators and media companies to relax advertising restrictions and increase stake limits on slot machines, Minister Browne has largely resisted this pressure. He has made only minor concessions, such as allowing minor adjustments to the regulations for charity lotteries, while maintaining the core safeguards in the Bill.

The proposed Bill reflects growing concerns about the impact of gambling marketing, particularly on younger audiences, a trend that is evident across Europe, including in Belgium and the Netherlands. 

Research exposes vulnerable age groups

A recent study by the University of Stirling’s Institute for Social Marketing and Health highlighted the high prevalence of young people being exposed to gambling advertising, particularly those linked to sports. This has increased pressure for stricter advertising rules within the Bill.

As the Gambling Regulation Bill enters its final stages, it represents a significant shift in Ireland’s approach to gambling regulation. The aim is to strike a balance between protecting vulnerable individuals from the risks of gambling. And accommodating the interests of the gambling industry.