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It has been a long time coming, but it looks like Ireland will finally make changes to its gambling laws, updating the somewhat out of date regulatory framework that currently exists in the country.With a draft legislation due to be published in the near future, hopes are high that the long awaited regulation changes will be enacted in 2019.
Current regulation
Ireland’s gambling industry is currently governed by a number of outdated laws including the Totalisator Act 1929, Betting Act 1931, and the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956, the latter of which bans all gaming and lotteries.Obviously, as these acts were put in place decades ago, before the invention and subsequent immense popularity of the online gambling industry, meaning that regulations do not cover when they need to when it comes to online and offshore gaming providers.There have been amendments made to the laws on gambling in Ireland since the creation of the iGaming market, but they have not covered enough of what is necessary.
Draft legislation
While the draft legislation is yet to be published, it is expected to put the focus on underage gamblers and problem gambling, with it rumoured that there will also be regulation in relation to loot crates in video games.The new legislation is also expected to cover advertising and sponsorship, virtual and fantasy sports betting, and bonuses and promotions.There is also expected to be the implementation of an independent gambling regulator for Ireland, similar to the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) that would oversee all activity from operators offering services in the country.The update has been a long time coming, and with many hopeful that changes will at least start in 2019, Ireland could well be bringing itself forward in terms of regulation.