Ireland Plans to Ban Bet Incentives and Credit Gambling

Ireland plans to regulate online gambling in the near future, and they will outlaw the practice of free-bet enticements. Mostly, the proposed act will modernise outdated laws pertaining to gambling in the country. They will also prohibit gambling with a credit card according to the regulations.

As the country aims to follow in the footsteps of regulatory bodies like the UK Gambling Commission, they will control gambling advertisements and gambling addiction will be a focus area.

They expect that the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland will be ready for its duties by early 2022.

 Concern for Consumers

The regulatory bill introduces new player protection measures and stipulates that operators may no longer offer incentives that encourage players to gamble for longer periods. Free bets, preferential treatment, and credit card facilities are some aspects that are prohibited.

Other consumer protection tactics include clear warnings on potential gambling risks and the need for crystal clear terms and conditions from operators. Operators may not penalise players with reduced winnings or by refusing their bets, and land-based casinos may not have ATMs on their premises.

It is clear that the regulator is encouraging safer gambling practices and wants operators to aid in the awareness thereof. The regulatory body will also establish a social impact fund that will pay to treat gambling addiction, where required. The application of a betting levy will allow the Irish gambling regulator to fund addiction treatment programs and social responsibility initiatives.

Players will be able to register themselves for self-exclusion, whereby platforms will restrict their access for a set time.

 Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Gambling advertising will be another integral factor for the regulatory authority. The regulator will have the power to control how and when providers advertise their products and services. It will limit the timing and frequency of gambling advertisements across all media platforms. Ireland will join a league of operators who control and ban advertisements that promote gambling.

Junior Justice Minister James Browne admits that this is a laborious task, as gambling advertisements at domestic and offshore sports events are rife. However, he believes they are up for the challenge as they aim to become a well-regulated market. Irish president Michael Higgins supports the rigid advertising regulations, as he feels gambling activities can be dangerous.

 The Regulator’s Responsibility

Minister Browne addressed the Seanad Éireann in July, where he outlined the soon-to-be Irish Gambling Regulator’s duties. It will be a powerful authority, according to Browne, and apart from controlling licenses, it will also be able to issue non-compliance sanctions. The regulator will also implement anti-money laundering laws and have the power to investigate suspicious activities.

Providers will be subject to fines of up to €20 million or 10% of their turnover if they contravene prescribed player protection measures and in some cases, they will lose their license and may be subject to prosecution.

Apart from being able to grant, suspend, or revoke licenses, the Irish regulator can freeze operators’ bank accounts and assets. They will also have the authority to search the premises of providers where it is appropriate or necessary.

In 2021, we saw the likes of Germany and The Netherlands become a regulated market and, with the tremendous growth seen in the iGaming industry, it only makes sense for Ireland to follow suit.