Irish lawmakers are still exploring the opportunity to update the country’s gambling laws and their efforts are now getting the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) full support. Recently, the Department unveiled its Justice Plan 2023, making it clear that it plans to back the new gambling framework of Ireland’s Government.
Earlier this year, the DOJ criticised some of the measures included in the legislation. In January, the Department shared its concerns that some of the language in the piece of legislation was too subjective and could eventually provide gambling companies with the chance to circumvent controls.
Apparently, Irish legislators took the Department of Justice’s opinion into account, as they brought certain adjustments to the bill, with the Department now being hopeful to help advance the piece of legislation through the Parliament by officially reiterating its support.
As the DOJ revealed, it is set to enhance the necessary administrative services in order to make the establishment of an independent gambling regulatory body as planned. Previously, Minister of State James Browne has commented that the bill, which has been unveiled as part of the ongoing reforms of the country’s gambling industry, has been considered a crucial part in the development of Ireland’s gambling sector by bringing it to the 21st century. According to Mr Browne, this particular piece of legislation should be taken as the number one priority of the Government because of its significance and the fact it has to confront the obstacles that have long been associated with gambling.
A more effective regulatory and licensing setup should be established in the country’s gambling sector through the new pieces of legislation once they are officially turned into laws. As Casino Guardian reported, the establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) in December 2022 and the appointment of Anne Marie Caulfield to lead the organisation was a major step forward.
Gambling Legislation Changes Make Progress in Irish Legislature
So far, the proposed gambling legislation changes have been positively received by the country’s gambling sector, although some companies have shared some concerns regarding the vague wording regarding a potential ban on all forms of gambling advertising. According to the wording of the bill, any promotion, including the distribution and offering of complementary wagers, may be fully banned on the territory of the country.
The Minister of State, however, has shared that it is very unlikely that the legislation goes to such an extreme. He explained that the proposed bill does not seek to fully suspend gambling sponsorship deals or gambling adverts but only imposes certain limits on their presence.
Gambling companies that operate legally in Ireland will have to make sure their customers only receive such promotional materials in case they actively ask for some. Furthermore, the proposed gambling bill would suspend gambling commercials on television and radio channels in the period from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM. As previously reported, the updated Irish gambling legislation will provide the newly-established Gambling Regulatory Authority with the extensive right to determine when, where, and how often operators would be able to display physical and digital adverts.
Ireland’s gambling sector is still subject to ongoing changes, with the new legislative framework of the country having already started its journey through the political system, finding more and more support on its way. According to reports, it is possible that local lawmakers incorporate further changes to the bill, as it advances in the Legislature.
- Author
Daniel Williams
