Ireland considers drastic ban: gambling advertising and bonuses

The debate over Ireland’s Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 is back on the table, with many of the old arguments appearing to be revived. One of the main points still being debated is the call for stricter rules on gambling advertising.

Some senators are calling for a complete ban on gambling advertising and are proposing to add this to the bill as an amendment. The issue of bonuses is also being debated again, with differing views on a possible outright ban.

Bonuses could be banned

The original version of the bill proposed a complete ban on bonuses, but this was dropped during the debate in Dáil Éireann in May. Deputy James Browne, who played a key role in the debate, argued that a total ban on all bonuses would be impossible to enforce. Instead, he proposed a ban on targeted bonuses. However, as the Bill enters Seanad Éireann, there are renewed calls for a complete ban on bonuses, and in particular free bets.

Independent Senator Lynn Ruane is calling for tougher rules and is proposing an amendment to ban free bets. She believes the Bill, in its current form, does not do enough to protect players. Ruane says these types of incentives, such as free bets, are a gateway for young people to start gambling. She points to examples from other industries where similar inducements are already banned. For example, retailers in the Irish National Lottery are banned from giving away free or discounted tickets, and similar rules apply to the sale of alcohol and tobacco.

Support for a ban on gambling advertising and bonuses

Senator Mark Wall is backing Ruane’s proposal to ban both gambling advertising and bonuses. Wall says the Bill should prioritize protecting vulnerable people by banning these inducements. He says abolishing free bets and similar offers is a step in the right direction to achieve this.

Despite these calls for stricter regulation, Deputy Browne remains opposed to a ban on both advertising and bonuses. He warns that such a ban would push gambling into unlicensed markets, which are harder to regulate. Senator John McGahon agrees, arguing that gambling companies would be at a significant competitive disadvantage if they could not communicate directly with their customers, especially when other forms of entertainment are targeting the same audience.

Retailers want a ban on lottery betting

Another major point of contention in the bill is lottery betting. The Irish Retailers Association (RGDATA) is calling for it to be banned. According to RGDATA, third-party lottery betting providers are undermining the Irish National Lottery, leading to a reduction in funding for charities and the removal of commissions from retail agents. The association claims that charity funding is being cut by 20% per year as a result of these practices. Many European countries have already banned lottery betting, and RGDATA is urging the Irish government to do the same via an amendment to the bill.

The Gambling Regulation Bill 2022, which will also establish a new gambling regulator for Ireland, still needs to go through the report stage and closing statements before it becomes law. The debates and amendments show just how complicated the issue is as politicians try to strike a balance between player protection and the competitiveness of the industry.