Irish politicians deliver long-awaited approval to progressive gambling regulation following nearly two decades of deliberations
Ireland Passes Landmark Gambling Regulation Bill
Ireland has taken a significant step forward in reforming its gambling sector with the passing of the Irish Gambling Regulation Bill (GRBI) by lawmakers. The new legislation, worth up to €8bn ($8.7bn) annually, is expected to bring about substantial changes to the industry.
The GRBI establishes the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), a regulatory body responsible for overseeing and reforming the gambling market in Ireland. This includes the framework for future tax policy adjustments, market supervision, and ensuring sustainable development and public revenue generation.
One of the key changes introduced by the GRBI is a ban on social media ads for gambling. Operators can no longer sponsor sports teams or organizations, and restrictions on advertising will also extend to gambling ads on social media. These measures aim to introduce significant protections for the public in a previously unregulated sector.
The bill also implements a max stake of €10 ($10.86) and a payout cap of €3,000 ($3,258) on games like blackjack, roulette, and slots. However, it remains unclear if poker falls under this bracket. Legendary Irish poker player Fintan Gavin has expressed concerns about the lack of clarity in the bill regarding payout limits for poker tournaments.
The GRBI also prohibits incentives like free bets, hospitality, and VIP treatment. A new social impact fund will allocate resources from gambling companies to finance addiction-related education and treatment programs.
Some major broadcasters, such as Racing TV, may shut down their Irish operations due to the bill. Sky Sports Racing, however, plans to have a separate feed without gambling ads. People will need to opt in to receive online marketing messages.
Minister of State James Browne began working on the bill in 2020 and introduced it in 2022. The passage of the bill marks the end of 17 years of discussions on updating Ireland's gambling regulator. The bill now awaits President Michael D. Higgins' consideration and signature to become law.
The new legislation is a major overhaul of Ireland's gambling legislation, which hasn't changed significantly since 1956. The GRBI aims to create a more modern and responsible gambling environment in Ireland, with a focus on consumer protection and public revenue generation.
