Recently, the debate over gambling legislation in Ireland has highlighted disagreements over the inclusion of charitable draws in the Gambling Regulation Bill (GRB).
The Minister of State, James Browne, rejected a proposed amendment that sought to exempt such draws from the rules set out in the bill. In this way, highlighting concerns about potential abuse of charity status in activities related to online gambling.
Labor MP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin tabled the proposed amendment. However, Browne criticized lawmakers’ attempt to propose changes during the reporting phase. Thus, claiming that such discussions should have taken place during the initial drafting of the bill.
He stressed that the commission phase is the appropriate time to consider changes, not when the project is in advanced stages of processing.
Furthermore, Browne argued that the exclusion of charities could open up potential abuses in relation to the use of their status to promote gambling-related activities.
Delays in approving rules for the gaming sector in Ireland
The Gambling Regulation Act, which was due to come into force last year, is facing significant delays in the Dáil due to disputes over criminal code reforms and horse racing funding.
The absence of a clear timeline for its promulgation has generated uncertainty, prolonging the wait for the creation of the Gaming Regulatory Authority, which will be led by Anne Marie Caulfield.
Meanwhile, the horse racing industry is expressing concerns about a possible ban on betting advertising on radio and television during certain times.
Calls for exceptions to this ban have so far been rejected, especially for subscription horse racing channels.
In search of a middle ground, horse racing representatives propose a solution that involves a total ban on gambling advertisements on TV for 24 hours, with the exception of subscription channels.
Resolving these divergences is essential to guarantee robust and effective legislation that meets the diverse interests involved in the country’s gaming sector.