Gambling regulation is big news globally, and now it looks like Ireland is set to experience some changes too. After a five-year delay, Ireland’s players may soon find out what the territories new gambling legislation looks like. The two amended bills, the Gaming and Lotteries Bill and the Gambling Control Bill, may soon be published after undergoing amendments to update them.
Officials admitted back in 2013 that the bills were out dated and needed a revamp to include online gambling and gaming. The publication comes at a time when attention is focused on the promotion of gambling to children.
The public has not been made privy to what exact updates have been included, and will only know once the documents are published. However, according to a legal guide, the amendments are likely to include the following:
- A new industry watchdog which the Minister of State David Stanton last year described as an independent ‘big beast’ regulator which would likely employ up to 100 people. The Office of Gambling Control will be responsible for overseeing advertising, sponsorship, underage gambling, promotions, and license breaches.
- New licensing requirements with several categories including land-based casinos and licensing for online operators targeting Irish players.
- Player protection measures that operators will have to adhere to as part of their on going licensing requirements.
- Minimum age requirements and restrictions to online game offerings such as ‘loot boxes’.
One of the main focuses that the bill amendments will include is, what does and does not constitute gambling, and protecting at-risk children from being encouraged to gamble.
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