Proposed amendments to the gambling sector in Ireland are on the horizon with the upcoming assessment of the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022. Drawing from the UK’s policy stance, lawmakers are advocating for reforms to aid in mitigating the prevalence of problem gambling. These reforms aim to shield the vulnerable and children from exposure to potentially harmful gambling activities through strategic restrictions on advertising of such activities.
A stringent proposal includes a comprehensive ban on televised gambling advertisements from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM. Mirroring the legislation already in place in several European nations, Irish lawmakers hope that such measures will decrease the likelihood of children being exposed to gambling advertisements.
Anticipatedly, the proposed blanket ban on ads faced resistance from the gaming industry and the horseracing community. As the bill passed its final day at Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the country, suggestions emerged to exempt certain sports clubs and gambling charities from the ban.
As highlighted by Tipperary Sinn Fein TD Martin Browne, as cited by tipperarylive, enforcing a comprehensive ban could potentially have a negative impact on charity organizations and sports clubs, which are critical in gathering substantial funds for various noble causes. Browne stated that lottery draws play a crucial role in amassing funds for various programs and simultaneously support the critical operation of such organizations and charities. “Concerns around the repercussions of the bill on their fundraising activities have been voiced by multiple charities and sporting organizations in the lead up to the formal review stage of the bill,” elaborated Martin Browne.
Exemption of Charities and Sports Club from Ban Failed
The efforts to insert exemptions for charitable organizations that were examined during the final review of the bill in the Dáil did not secure approval in the voting process. Suffering setbacks, the two proposals were rejected by respective vote counts of 68-66 and 69-55, as reported by the Irish Times on Wednesday evening.
Unsurprisingly, a spirited discussion ensued regarding the proposals. Proponents argued that the exemptions would enable them to persist in their operations and fundraising efforts for charitable causes. Conversely, critics warned that certain operators could cloak themselves as charitable entities, thereby undermining the very essence of such organizations and potentially exploiting vulnerable individuals.
The progressive path for the gambling bill leads it next to the Seanad, where it will be subjected to additional examination and approval.
