Ireland is getting a major update to its gambling laws with the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, which is set to change how gambling is regulated in the country. Whether you’re a player, a business, or someone interested in the future of gambling, here’s an easy-to-understand breakdown of what’s changing and when it will happen.
Why is the Gambling Law Changing?
Right now, Ireland’s gambling laws are a bit outdated. They don’t cover some of the newer forms of gambling, like online casinos or certain types of betting. The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 is designed to update these laws, ensuring that gambling in Ireland is more organized, safer, and more responsible.
What Does the New Law Do?
The new Gambling Regulation Act 2024 will replace older gambling laws and create a more modern system for regulating gambling activities, including online gambling. This will impact various areas, including how gambling services are licensed, how ads for gambling are handled, and how problem gambling is addressed. Here are the main things the new law will change:
1. New Gambling Licensing System
Under the new law, any company or person who wants to run a gambling service (like a casino, sportsbook, or lottery) in Ireland will need to have a gambling licence. This includes both online gambling and land-based gambling (like casinos and betting shops).
- The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) will be the body in charge of granting these licences.
- To get a licence, companies will need to meet certain requirements to show they’re operating legally and fairly.
- There will be different types of licences depending on the type of gambling (e.g., gaming, betting, lottery).
2. Protecting Vulnerable People
One of the key focuses of the new law is protecting people who might be at risk of gambling addiction, particularly children.
- Children under 18 will be banned from gambling—both online and in-person.
- Gambling operators will need to make sure their venues and websites are safe and accessible only to adults.
- The law also aims to help people with gambling problems by setting up support services and creating a National Gambling Exclusion Register, where people can voluntarily ban themselves from gambling.
3. Advertising Restrictions
The law will change how gambling can be advertised in Ireland, particularly to protect children and prevent harmful gambling behaviour.
- Gambling ads aimed at children will be completely banned. This means you won’t see ads featuring cartoon characters, games, or other elements appealing to young people.
- There will also be restrictions on when gambling ads can appear on TV or radio. Ads will not be allowed between 5:30am and 9:00pm, when children are most likely to be watching or listening.
- On social media, gambling ads can only be shown to people who have subscribed to a gambling account or have explicitly shown interest in gambling.
4. Social Impact Fund for Gambling Addiction
The new law introduces a Social Impact Fund, which will require commercial gambling operators to contribute financially to initiatives that help prevent and treat gambling addiction.
- This fund will support treatment programs, education about responsible gambling, and other problem gambling services.
- Charitable organizations running gambling activities will not need to contribute to this fund.
5. Gambling for Charitable Purposes
If a charity wants to run a lottery or some form of gambling to raise money, they’ll also need a licence under the new law. This will help ensure that all forms of gambling in Ireland are regulated, not just commercial ones.
- For once-off lotteries (lotteries held once a year), the total prize can be up to €360,000 without needing a full licence, as long as the lottery meets certain conditions (e.g., no personal profit and a limited number of tickets sold).
- Charities will need to show that at least 30% of the proceeds from gambling activities will go towards the charity’s purpose.
6. Fines and Penalties for Breaking the Rules
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) will be responsible for enforcing these new rules. If gambling companies break the law, they can face serious consequences, including:
- Fines
- Suspension or revocation of their licence
- Imprisonment for up to 5 years in serious cases.
When Does This All Happen?
The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 will start once it’s fully commenced, but at the time of writing, it hasn’t yet begun.
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) will be set up to oversee the new system, and when that happens, the new law will be enforced. It’s expected that the law will come into full effect in 2024 or 2025.
How Will I Know if a Casino or Betting Site is Licensed?
Once the law is fully in place, all gambling operators (including online casinos and betting sites) will need to have a licence from the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) to operate legally in Ireland.
- You’ll be able to check whether a gambling site or casino is licensed by visiting the GRAI’s website, which will likely have a list of licensed operators.
- This will make it easier to ensure you’re gambling with a trusted, legal operator.
Conclusion
Ireland’s new Gambling Regulation Act 2024 is a major step towards modernizing the country’s gambling laws. The goal is to make gambling safer, more transparent, and more responsible. By introducing stricter licensing rules, protecting children, regulating advertising, and providing better support for people with gambling problems, the new law aims to create a safer gambling environment for everyone.
If you’re involved in gambling, whether as a player or a business, it’s important to stay informed about these changes. Make sure to check for licensed operators and take advantage of the support available if you need it.
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