How Will the New Gambling Regulation Affect Irish Players?

The long-awaited Gambling Regulation Bill has just been enacted, and I have a few things to say about it. There is no doubt that this bill will shake things up, but what's its impact on Irish players? Let's take a closer look.

What Is the Gambling Regulation Bill?

This bill will be a game-changer for players and the industry. According to legislators, this bill aims to modernise Ireland's outdated gambling laws by establishing a new regulatory authority overseeing all forms of gambling., which will go by the name of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland. Some of the functions of the GRAI will include:

• Be in charge of gambling activities within Ireland and ensure it's regulated

• Takes action towards addressing problem gambling

• Manage advertisements in relation to gambling

• Ensures that gambling isn't a source of supporting crime

At the time of writing, Anne Marie Caulfield was appointed CEO designate of the GRAI.

What Are The Changes?

Let's take a look at the changes the industry is set to see:

1. A new licencing regime: The bill introduces a new licensing system, including specific types for different gambling activities. There are licenses for Business to Consumer (B2C), Business to Business (B2B) services, and charitable purposes, simplifying and updating the licensing process from the outdated framework. B2B licensing requirements are also extended to those offering gambling-related services such as risk management and software support.

2. Player Protection Measures: Enhanced measures are implemented to protect consumers, particularly from problem gambling. These include mandatory self-exclusion programs, restrictions on payment methods (prohibiting the use of credit cards), and requirements for licensees to implement monetary and time limits on gambling accounts. Additionally, a National Gambling Exclusion Register will be introduced to support individuals with gambling issues​.

3. Social Impact Fund: A Social Impact Fund is created to support awareness initiatives, educational measures, and problem gambling treatment. It will be financed by licensed operators, excluding those with charitable licenses

4. Advertising and Sponsorship Restrictions: The new law imposes tighter restrictions on gambling advertisements to protect vulnerable individuals, including a ban on gambling ads from 5:30 am to 9:00 pm on various media. Advertising restrictions will also extend to the use of social media and audiovisual platforms, particularly to limit exposure to children and prevent.

5. Prohibition on Inducements: Gambling operators are prohibited from offering targeted inducements (such as free bets) to specific individuals or groups, though they may still offer such promotions to the general public under certain conditions. This aims to prevent undue encouragement of gambling among vulnerable individuals.

6. Sanctions for Non-Compliance: The GRAI has been given significant enforcement powers, including the ability to impose fines of up to €20 million or 10% of a company’s turnover for breaches. It may also seek court orders to stop prohibited gambling activities or force internet providers to block such activities.

7. Prohibitions on payment methods: The Gambling Act outlines acceptable payment methods and prohibits gambling operators from accepting payments by credit card or offering any form of credit to players. This includes electronic or digital payments made using funds loaded from a credit card. These rules are in line with similar regulations already in place in other countries, like the United Kingdom.

What Does This Mean for Irish Players?

One of the most impactful changes for Irish players is the ban on using credit cards for gambling. This prohibition extends even to electronic or digital methods that use credit card funds. Similar measures have already been implemented in the United Kingdom, and they are intended to curb problem gambling by limiting access to borrowed money. From an operator's perspective, this means adapting payment systems and ensuring compliance with these new rules, but it's ultimately a positive move to promote responsible gambling and reduce harm.

For players, this change means they might need to switch to other forms of payment, such as debit cards and e-wallets. Thankfully, there are several payment methods available that aren't credit cards. However, I do understand that this change may be inconvenient for some, but on the flip side, I can see why this change was enacted. I agree with this change because it encourages players to gamble with money and funds they already have and reduces the risk of getting into debt.

Another aspect of the bill that I wholeheartedly support is the importance given to Player Protection. Stricter and new measures will be implemented. These include:

1. Mandatory age verification

2. Tighter control of advertising

3. More stringent identity checks

4. A greater emphasis for the operators on player safety and responsible gambling

For players, this will likely mean fewer opportunities for underage individuals to sign up and play. The reduction in marketing campaigns is also a welcome change, in my opinion, as it seeks to protect underage players from developing harmful gambling habits.

Bonuses and promotions weren't excluded from this Bill. In fact, moving forward, there will be stricter limits imposed. Why? The goal here is to limit predatory practices, such as extremely high wagering requirements and ensure that players are not misled by unclear terms and conditions. I see both sides to this. On the one hand, I truly believe that transparency is an important aspect. In fact, I always make sure that myself and the Irishluck team are 100% transparent in everything we put out. I've seen many cases in my career where players are misled and left disappointed by these unclear terms. On the flip side, I can see why players might be left let down with these limits. Bonuses and promotions have always added an element of excitement to online gambling, and the thrill of getting a big bonus is a major draw for many. By imposing stricter limits, some of the fun and perceived value that players look forward to might be diminished. Additionally, these changes may place smaller operators at a disadvantage, potentially reducing the variety of options available to players.

However, player safety is important. I think there's a fine line here: ensuring players are kept safe but also keeping the variety of fun promotions available for players. I think both can be achieved here.

Moving on, I really like that this bill looks at a social level with the creation of the Social Impact Fund. This will be paid by licenced operators and it will be responsible gambling initiatives, educational problems and treatment for problem gambling. It reflects a broader, more socially responsible approach to gambling regulation that benefits both players and the wider community.

On top of these positive measures, the bill also introduces some serious consequences for non-compliance. The penalties for breaking the rules are no joke—fines can go up to €20 million or 10% of a company’s turnover, and the GRAI can even get court orders to shut down illegal activities or block access. These tough sanctions are meant to keep operators in line, and I think they’re necessary. The high costs for not following the rules should push everyone to take their responsibilities seriously, which ultimately benefits both players and the industry.