DETAILS OF REPUBLIC OF IRELAND’S PROPOSED NEW GAMBLING LAWS REVEALED

Details of the Republic of Ireland’s proposed new gambling laws have been revealed, including a ban on free bets and certain VIP promotions, and stricter rules on advertising.

According to the Irish Times, under the proposals, the country’s new gambling regulator will have the power to revoke and suspend licenses, freeze accounts, and block incoming payments. Furthermore, inducements, including VIP promotions, will be subject to new rules and banned altogether for some customers.

Gambling advertising will also be subject to strict new rules, likely covering the timing and frequency of adverts on television, radio, and other media. As expected, a UK-style ban on advertising that could appeal to children is also likely to be introduced. 

Additionally, all gambling companies will be required to contribute to a new social impact fund to help pay for treatment and gambling harm awareness programs. A national self-exclusion register will also be established. 

The new legislation is being put forward by Minister of State in the Department of Justice, James Browne, and Minister for Justice, Heather Humphreys. If the proposed laws are adopted, it is expected the new regulator will be running and ready to implement them by early 2022.