The proposal to streamline the licensing framework for all forms of in-person and remote / online gambling in Ireland has also been the subject of further clarification. This is certainly an area to be monitored as, while there are no major policy changes to the proposed ban at present, its wording and detail may change as the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 continues through the legislative process.

Interestingly, however, Deputy James Browne noted as part of the Dáil debate on the legislation, that the wording of proposed ban remains subject to further consideration by the Committee together with the Office of the Attorney General. The proposed ban remains in place in the new draft of the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 and the legislative provisions surrounding its operation are unchanged. The proposal to ban inducements to individuals to participate in gambling activities, such as free hospitality, free bets and special offers, has been a topic of concern to many gambling operators. Some particular points for gambling operators and other industry stakeholders to note are: Inducements to promotions However, the primary concerns raised by operators, such as the ban on advertising without explicit consent, restrictions on the daily times when gambling advertisements are permitted and the ban on inducements to gambling activities, remain unchanged. This is the new statutory body that will be responsible for licensing and regulation of gambling services in Ireland. Many relate to the power and scope of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). The revised Gambling Regulation Bill has a number of significant amendments.

For a general overview of the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 generally, please see our previous article. We focus on some of the new amendments to the draft legislation. Although the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 has yet to pass through the final stage of the Dáil, and all stages of the Seanad, it is still expected to be signed into law this year. Following a lengthy debate, this second draft was approved by the Select Committee on Justice (Committee) on 11 July 2023.

The Oireachtas has now published the second draft of the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022.

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