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Main Provisions of the Gambling Ordinance in Ireland
The General Scheme of the Gambling Regulation Bill in Ireland represents a significant step towards effectively regulating gambling in the country.
This legislation establishes a new independent statutory body, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, focusing on public safety and well-being. It encompasses both online real money casinos and in-person gambling, including the regulation of advertising, gambling websites, and apps.
Key elements of the legislation are:
Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland
This part of the Scheme establishes an independent Authority with a board and CEO responsible for correctly licensing and regulating gambling activities, addressing problem gambling, and preventing gambling-related crime.
Licenses and Licensing
The legislation proposes a horizontal licensing model comprising business-to-consumer, business-to-business, and a specific charitable and philanthropic gambling activity category. This structure aims to streamline the regulatory framework, and it links compliance and audit assessments with sanctions and enforcement for breaches of license terms.
Compliance and Enforcement
The Authority is granted powers to enforce the licensing regime, including inspection, investigation, and a range of enforcement actions like suspension or revocation of licenses, administrative and financial sanctions, and blocking access to non-compliant 1 Euro casinos in Ireland.
Safeguards, Advertising, Sponsorship, and Social Impact Fund
This part addresses the advertisement of gambling across media and the issue of sponsorship by gambling companies. It includes provisions for protecting children, public safety, and consumer protection, such as prohibiting inducements, credit facilities for players, and employing children in connection with gambling services. A Social Impact Fund is also established for research, education, and problem gambling treatment.
Problem Gambling and Consumer Protection
The Scheme also includes measures to address problem gambling, ensure public safety, and protect consumers. It acknowledges the potential ill effects of problem gambling and establishes a fund to support public education and awareness, as well as treatment activities for problem gambling.
