ESRI report spurs calls for stringent gambling regulations

In a recent debate in the lower house of Ireland’s legislature, Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality, James Browne TD, announced that the report stage of the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 will commence on July 11. Browne expressed his intention to expedite the progress of the bill, signaling the government’s commitment to addressing gambling-related issues.

The announcement came in response to concerns raised by Michael McNamara TD, who highlighted the growing prevalence of gambling advertisements targeting young people. McNamara emphasised the urgent need for action, referring to recent findings from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) review, which revealed the underestimation of Irish problem gambling and its detrimental impact. The ESRI review, conducted in January 2023, proposed restrictions on gambling advertisements in sports as an effective measure to protect vulnerable individuals.

Senator Emer Currie echoed McNamara’s concerns and called for a comprehensive approach to address gambling within educational institutions. Currie emphasised the inclusion of gambling and related subjects in the curriculum of social, personal, and health education (SPHE), citing the involvement of the charity Gambling with Lives in a pilot program conducted in northern Ireland schools.

Responding to Currie’s remarks, Senator Lisa Chambers, the appointed leader of the Seanad, praised the government’s proactive measures in tackling gambling-related issues. Chambers acknowledged the role of public figures in sports who openly shared their struggles with gambling addiction. She also expressed her intention to obtain an update on the ESRI report.

Currie further emphasised the tightening of regulations on gambling advertisements targeting young individuals, noting a greater sense of responsibility among gambling companies compared to previous years.

Following the report stage, the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 will proceed to its final stage in the Lower House before being sent to the Seanad éireann, Ireland’s upper legislative body. The discussions surrounding the bill reflect a growing recognition of the need for robust regulation and awareness of gambling-related harm in Ireland.

Stay tuned for further updates on the progress of the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 and its potential impact on the gambling landscape in Ireland on SiGMA News.

Join in on SiGMA Group’s next adventure to the Philippines

As the inaugural SiGMA Americas and BiS Summit in S?o Paulo, Brazil concludes with resounding success, the journey into the captivating world of iGaming continues with the highly anticipated?SiGMA Asia Summit.

Set your sights on Manila this July as we invite you to immerse yourself in a PAGCOR-endorsed event that promises an extraordinary exploration of the Asian and Philippine gaming markets. Prepare for an exhilarating experience as we delve into in-depth discussions on gaming regulation, industry trends, and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.