Ireland’s Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 Faces Crucial Review Amidst Industry Pushback
In Ireland, the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 is under rigorous scrutiny as it seeks to introduce measures that align closely with those in the UK to combat problem gambling.
This legislative proposal aims to safeguard vulnerable populations and prevent underage exposure to gambling by significantly restricting advertising hours.
New Advertising Restrictions Proposed
The bill advocates for a robust approach to gambling advertisements on television, proposing a blanket ban on such ads from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM. This move mirrors actions taken by several European countries and is designed to minimize the exposure of gambling content to children.
Legislators believe that reducing visibility during prime viewing hours can play a critical role in preventing the normalization of gambling among the young.
Industry Response to Advertising Ban
Despite the protective intent, the proposed advertising restrictions have faced opposition from various quarters, including the gaming and horse racing industries. As the bill approached its final debate in Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Irish parliament, amendments were suggested to moderate the impact on sports clubs and charitable gambling organizations.
Martin Browne, a TD for Sinn Fein from Tipperary, voiced significant concerns about the repercussions of a sweeping ad ban. “Many of us have been contacted by charities and sporting organizations ahead of the scheduled report stage of the bill who are very concerned about the implications of the bill for their work in fundraising,” Browne explained.
Outcome of Exemptions Debate
The vigorous debate culminated in a vote that saw the exemption proposals for charities and sports clubs narrowly defeated in the Dáil — 68 to 66 and 69 to 55 respectively. The intensity of the debate escalated into exchanges of sharp criticisms among lawmakers, reflecting deep divisions over the balance between regulation and financial necessity for charitable and sporting organizations.
Bill’s Progress and Next Steps
Having passed through Dáil Éireann, the bill now heads to the Seanad, the upper house, where it will undergo further scrutiny. The outcomes here could significantly shape the final structure of the law and its impact on both the gambling industry and the broader community.
