Ireland will ban advertising by gambling firms before 9.30 pm under its new regulation that will come into force next year.

The government passed the long-awaited Gambling Regulation Bill on Tuesday. It will also establish a new Gambling Regulatory Authority.

The bill will also ban betting on credit cards and the placement of ATMs in certain areas.

Taoiseach welcomed the bill and the focus on preventing gambling harm.

“This approval by Cabinet is significant and the publication of the Bill is unquestionably a major milestone. It is an important and necessary piece of legislation, designed to meet the challenges of gambling responsibly in 21st century Ireland.

“This long awaited and much needed Bill takes a responsible approach to balancing the freedom to gamble with the safeguards to protect people from falling prey to addiction. This Bill provides a clearer framework for operators and for consumers.”

The Irish Bookmakers Association(IBA), which represents over 750 of the 780 betting shops in Ireland, also the new legislation.

The Bill gives a clear commitment to establishing regulation, covering gambling online and in person, with the powers to issue and enforce standards, award or revoke licences, and apply financial sanctions or penalties.  

“As anticipated, the bill is extensive and appears to afford the Regulator the power and flexibility to regulate an ever-evolving sector. We will review the legislation when published, in full,” IBA Chair Sharon Byrne said. “The IBA has made significant strides to increase player protections including most recently updating its code of practice for Safer Gambling which was announced in August 2021 and looks forward to the further progress which can be made through the forum provided for by the new Office of the Regulator. We look forward to working with the CEO and her team, to introduce and enforce practical, evidence based and effective regulation of gambling in Ireland.”

14 – 18 November for SiGMA Europe

Being one of the first European countries to regulate the gaming sector, Malta is a hub of global business. With a plethora of prospects for both investors and entrepreneurs looking to shape the future, SiGMA’s Malta Week event will bring together industry giants among the affiliates, operators, and suppliers of the sector.