Stricter gambling regulatory measures in Ireland are set to prevent sports betting operators from operating in close proximity to schools. Local sportsbook companies will also no longer be able to sponsor children’s sports teams.
Under the latest sweeping changes to the country’s gambling legislation, betting shops and other gambling outlets will be suspended from operating near schools. According to reports, the Gambling Regulation Bill will include a special provision under which the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA), which is set to regulate the Irish gambling industry, will have to take into consideration the proximity of betting shops and gambling premises to schools.
Junior Justice Minister James Browne, who earlier this week outlined his plans regarding the stricter regulation of the sector, further explained that while the Government is prevented from imposing a full ban on some practices, he would expect it would be quite difficult for sportsbooks or other similar companies to get operating licences for their premises in case they were in close proximity to schools. According to him, the proximity to a school or where there was access to underage individuals had to be considered by the new gambling regulator of the country.
The gambling bill, which has previously been presented by Mr Browne, already proposes a number of measures aimed at preventing children from the potential negative effects of gambling or exposing them to the risks associated with the industry. As part of these measures, a gambling advertising ban is set to be implemented between 5:30 AM and 9:00 PM every day.
Stricter Gambling Rules to Be Included in the New Irish Gambling Law
The new Gambling Regulation Bill will impose an outright ban on underage individuals entering any premises where gambling takes place. As previously reported by Casino Guardian, some gambling advertising restrictions are set to be implemented for events involving children. Gambling companies are also banned from inking sponsorship agreements with underage sports teams.
At the time when the new gambling law was officially signed off earlier this week, Ministers were told that the country’s gambling regulator would have to consider the proximity of sportsbook and gambling premises to schools into consideration when determining the suitability of a certain facility that provides gambling services. The watchdog also has to consult with the council in the area whenever it makes a decision on whether to grant a licence. In these cases, the judgement must not supersede the role of local authorities when it comes to planning permissions.
These rules are set to replace sections of the current gambling law – the Gaming and Lotteries Act of 1956 – under which local councils are allowed to pass resolutions to permit gaming in their areas as part of their administrative responsibility.
The penalties that would be imposed under the provisions of the new gambling law will include imprisonment sentences of up to eight years for those who violate the country’s legislation. Furthermore, regulatory fines of up to €20 million or 10% of an operator’s turnover, whichever is higher, are set to be imposed.
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland will also be given the right to force a local Internet Service Provider (ISP) to take down any unlicensed advertising online.
- Author
Daniel Williams
