By 
Ireland gambling legislation dates back to the 1930s and according to the Minister of State at the Department of Justice James Browne, is in need of a major overhaul to bring gambling regulation up to date with the current digital age. Mr. Browne has set out legislation for a new gambling regulator and a new set of player protection measures.
New Bill
The new bill would see fines of up to $23.3m or 10% of an operator’s turnover if the new rules were breached. The new regulation would not allow operators to offer free bets, incite continuous gambling, provide credit cards or loans to their customers, and continue with VIP services. The new regulator will have the power to revoke a gambling license under the new regulation, along with controlling gambling advertising and money laundering issues.The new bill will be named the General Scheme of the Gambling Regulation and has taken into account industry experts’ views on the current gambling legislation within Ireland and the new Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland will introduce new player protection measures.The new legislation gives the regulator the power to revoke or suspend a license and administer sanctions if an operator does not abide by the regulations set out by the license. The regulator will have to power to block access remote or online to an operator’s services in the country.Included in the new bill any license holder who refuses bets or reduces winnings would also be a breach of the new license. Betting outlets will not be permitted to have an ATM machine within their premises, display terms and conditions and provide odds on offer for events, to both its online players and land-based customers.
Gambling Advert Control
The new gambling regulator has the power to control gambling advertising, setting out clear guidelines as to when an ad can appear on TV, radio, and other media outlets. Money Laundering will be investigated under the new legislation and the regulator has the power to investigate suspicious activity, prosecutions where necessary, and impose fines.The proposed bill will now be sent to the Office of Parliament Counsel and reviewed. The new role of CEO will be designated and the position filled hopefully by Christmas 2021 or early in the new year.