Children and gambling, Ireland’s legislative debate

Garance Limouzy July 3, 2024

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SiGMA news

In Ireland, amendments to the Gambling Regulation Bill have been under debate, following months of intense lobbying.

A long-awaited law

The Government of Ireland, facing what they called a “tsunami of social problems” related to gambling, decided to legislate. In 2022, Ireland’s Gambling Regulation Bill started its journey through the legislative process. The reform should be enacted into law in 2024. Measures include a ban on daytime gambling advertising, the establishment of a fund aimed at combating gambling-related problems, and the creation of Ireland’s first gambling regulator.

Children and gambling

Justice Minister, Helen McEntee, has proposed amendments to the current legislation, which have recently received government approval. Among those, one in particular has sparked controversy.

According to the amended legislation, children under 18 would now be allowed to enter premises such as racetracks where gambling takes place, provided these venues offer more than just gambling. However, minors will not be permitted to place bets. The rationale behind this amendment is to encourage venues to diversify their offerings beyond gambling revenue.

This amendment has faced criticism over concerns that it may expose minors to gambling and normalise the activity, as underage gambling is already an?issue in Ireland. According to a study by the Institute of Public Health, nearly one in four 16-year-olds gambled for money in the past 12 months, with over 15 percent experiencing excessive or problem gambling behaviours.

Intense lobbying

The development of the gambling law and its amendments has been eagerly anticipated by industry operators, who have engaged in extensive lobbying efforts to influence the bill’s contents, and to water down some of the expected regulations.

Bookmakers, horse-racing representatives, and even charities feared potential financial losses from the new legislation. Charities like Arthritis Ireland have requested exemptions from the advertising watershed, arguing that lottery and raffle revenues are vital for their operations.

The proposed amendments aim to provide flexibility to these charities, NGOs, and sports organisations like the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), Ireland’s largest sporting body.