Plans for Ireland’s Gambling Regulatory Body Delayed

The creation of Ireland's €8bn-plus gambling regulatory body will not come into play for at least another year according to Helen McEntee, Justice Minister of Ireland.

A plan to introduce regulations for the industry was established in 2019. The plan included a Bill for the modernisation of Gaming and Lotteries legislations which have not been modified since 1956. The minister this week discussed a “Programme for Government” which explored Ireland's commitment to establish a regulator for gambling built around the desire to protect people’s well-being and public safety in person and online.

“Work is currently underway in my department on the development of the legislation to provide the necessary modern licensing and regulatory provisions for the Irish gambling industry. I hope to bring proposals in that regard to Government next year,” she said.

“Given the size, complexity and technological development of the modern gambling industry and having regard to the outdated and complex arrangements, it will be important that the regulator will be established on a strong footing and adequately resourced to carry out this important task,” she added.

The Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Act has already been signed and the legislation will soon come into effect. However, it seems the consumers will need to wait for a regulatory office which will be funded via levies on the gambling sector.