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Despite continued pressure from the betting industry, Ireland is expected to introduce new gambling laws by October. A final vote on the law is quickly approaching, according to Justice Minister James Browne, who spearheaded the introduction of the Gambling Regulation Bill in 2022.
The proposed bill, currently under examination by the Seanad, aims to overhaul Ireland’s gambling sector with several critical provisions. Among the most notable is the establishment of a national gambling regulator. Additionally, the bill includes the creation of a social impact fund dedicated to addressing problem gambling and introduces a ban on gambling advertisements across television, radio, and on-demand services between 5:30 A.M. and 9:00 P.M.
Despite intense lobbying from major betting operators and media companies to soften advertising restrictions and ease stake limits for slot machines, Minister Browne has remained steadfast. He has allowed some minor adjustments regarding charity lotteries but has largely resisted pressure to dilute the bill’s protective measures.
Growing worries over the effects of gambling marketing, especially on younger audiences, are reflected in the legislation. The University of Stirling’s Institute for Social Marketing and Health conducted a study that recently brought attention to how frequently young people are exposed to these advertisements, particularly those that are related to sports.
The measure is a major step toward revamping Ireland’s approach to gaming legislation as it approaches its final phases. The objective is to achieve a balance between the needs of vulnerable populations to be protected from the risks connected with gambling and the interests of the business.