Process of regulating gambling industry in sight

Darren J.Prior

Politicians from across Leinster House, and many people effected by problem gambling across Ireland, gave a sigh of relief last Wednesday night (16th), with the news that the Gambling Regulation Bill 2024 has completed it’s 11 years legislative process to pass through all legislative stages in the Dáil and Seanad, and it is now just waiting to be signed into law by President Michael D. Higgins. 

Ireland’s first Gambling Regulator, Ms. Anne Marie Caulfield, had been revealed to be the person to head up the incoming Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) two years ago, and this legislation gives the legal framework to Ms. Caulfield and her 7-person authority to be set up and  start their work.

Amongst other actions, including strong curbs on gambling advertising, the legislation provides for the creation of a Social Impact Fund from levies on the gambling industry to fund State awareness–raising and educational measures and State gambling treatment services.

Dublin People has previously reported on calls for the State to be the only provider to State bodies and organisations of such awareness-raising and educational programmes, and of the dearth of State problem gambling and addiction services in the country.

Welcoming the passing of the legislation through Leinster House Minister of State in the Department of Justice James Browne TD said:

“I am truly delighted to welcome the passage of this long-awaited legislation, which is the result of many years of hard work by myself and a team of dedicated Departmental officials.

“At it’s core, this legislation is a public health measure aimed at protecting our citizens from gambling harm, including younger people and those more vulnerable in our communities”.

Senator Mark Wall (Labour) has had legislation put down in the Oireachtas since 2022 calling for a full ban on gambling advertising, but speaking to Dublin People about the Gambling Regulation Bill 2024 he said:

“I welcome this legislation. I believe that this is an important first step for so many people and a growing number of people in the country who have a gambling addiction or that may develop an addiction in the future.

“Although we would have went a bit further with the legislation in the Labour Party, this is a very important first step and the fact that it has gone through the Oireachtas is very important”.

In January, Dublin People reported on the calls by over 50 Irish community organisations and public health advocates, in a letter addressed to then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, for the State to be the sole provider of State-based problem addiction gambling services, and educational programmes such as in schools and family resource centres.

Speaking to Dublin People last Thursday, the day after the Gambling Regulation Bill completed its passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas, Paula Leonard said that:

“The speed at which gambling is growing both in Ireland and at a global level means that strong action by governments on regulation is required.

“The leadership from the Irish government on this is most welcome.

“Despite the new laws, Government will still have to navigate, understand and address the growing conflicts of interest with regard to sponsorship of a range of gambling and addiction supports by the Gambling Awareness Trust – an organisation wholly funded by donations from the online and retail betting and gaming industry in Ireland”.

Along with Minister James Browne, Paula Leonard and Senator Mark Wall other individuals who have played a leading role pushing for the Gambling Regulation Bill 2024 to be enacted include Aodhán Ó Ríordáin MEP, Barry Grant from Extern Problem Gambling, Tony O’Reilly and Declan Lynch.