The Irish Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 is closer to being a reality than ever before, with the bill currently being debated in the Senate’s Committee Stage. However, there are still major questions about the status of bonuses moving forward, with Irish senators Lynn Ruane and Alice Mary Higgins calling for a complete ban.
Proposal Rejected
The status of bonuses is often a source of debate among regulators in new markets. The debate in Ireland has seen strong arguments made, but James Browne, the Minister of State at the Department of Justice, decided that the ban on bonuses would not be beneficial.
Strong arguments made by Lynn Ruane and Alice Mary Higgins were countered by Senator John McGahon who argued that a blanket ban on bonuses would just push players towards the black market, which is one of the biggest reasons the Gambling Regulation Bill was being introduced in the first place.
McGahon also argued that the ban would restrict the way operators can communicate with their customers and would also restrict market competition, none of which would be good for the wider industry in Ireland or for players.
However, James Browne has stated that operators will not be able to use a targeted approach with their betting advertising. This step has been taken to protect vulnerable and underage people who could be exposed.
Near Completion
Things continue to pick up pace with the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022, with the bill moving into its final stages in the Senate Committee. Once all of the proposed amendments have been heard, they will pass to the report stage and will then be signed into law.
This will be the biggest shake-up to the Irish gambling scene in modern times. There have also been some concerns over the future of live horse racing in the country, with the new bill placing a watershed on gambling advertising.
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