In the run-up to a major overhaul of gambling legislation in Ireland, interim amendments have been made to the Gaming and Lotteries Act. It is reported that a more in-depth overhaul of legislation will take place later on in 2021. In the meantime, the Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Act 2019 came into force at the start of December.
A number of amendments have been made as part of the interim measures, and this includes the formal clarification of a minimum age for all forms of gambling. The minimum age for all betting is 18, and this has now become a more formal regulation as a result of the amendments. In addition, the amendments have helped to clarify licensing and permit application processes for betting.
A Step Closer to Reforming the Industry
Many people across Ireland now use gambling and betting facilities including in-person gambling and online gambling with popular slots just like those described here. Many officials have been calling for greater coherence and clarity with regard to betting regulations across the industry in Ireland. Some have said that these measures bring Ireland a step closer to reforms within the industry.
One gaming law official said, “While this legislation is welcome as it brings a certain degree of clarity to Irish operators, it should very much be viewed as another step on the long road to fundamental reform of the gambling and gaming regulatory landscape in Ireland.”
He also said that the changes were designed to provide greater clarity and bring a modern element to laws relating to gambling in Ireland. In addition, the changes are designed to provide greater certainty to companies offering services to the country.
As part of the changes and amendments, there are now a number of clear regulations in place with regard to betting. This includes operators making applications to An Garda Síochána for lower-stakes onsite gaming with maximum pay-outs of €3,000 per game and making District Court applications for lotteries that offer up to €30,000 per week in winnings.
In addition, to operate gaming machines, applications must be made for a license from the Revenue, and officials there will create a database of licenses that they will need to maintain moving forward.
It is also worth noting that under the amended act, there is no permit or license required for prize draws that are aimed at marketing. However, this is only if the payout or value of the prize is no greater than €2,500.
Other changes including amended maximum stakes and winnings on gaming machines, and the penalties imposed for offences relating to gambling and betting regulations. This includes changes to the fines imposed for breaking regulations as well as to prison sentences that might be enforced depending on the severity of the offence.
An Evolving Industry
The Irish Minister of State for Law Reform, James Browne, said that the betting industry in Ireland was an evolving one. He stated that making reforms was, therefore, essential and the approach needed to be one that was both effective and sensible. Browne went on to say that his department was working on regulatory changes that would allow the overhaul of gambling legislation later on this year.
More and more people have been turning to gambling as a form of entertainment over the past year or so. In particular, online gambling has really taken off due to huge numbers of people being locked down and having to find forms of entertainment they can enjoy at home. Many believe that this increased popularity will continue, and this makes reforming the industry even more important.