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Finally… a new era for gambling regulation in Ireland

Betting, Gaming & Licensing

Finally… a new era for gambling regulation in Ireland

The long-awaited Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 now completed its 20-month passage through the Irish parliamentary process.

Thu 17 Oct 2024

6 min read

On 16 October 2024, the long-awaited Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 now completed its 20-month passage through the Irish parliamentary process. In this briefing, we examine some of the final changes to the Bill during a number of detailed debates in recent weeks as it accelerated towards enactment. We also plot out the key steps and milestones towards it being commenced and taking operational effect. This is likely to be sometime in 2025, with the exact timing to be determined.

Recap

The Bill establishes a comprehensive legal, regulatory and licensing framework for all forms of gambling in Ireland (with the exception of the National Lottery). It is a much-needed reform measure which will transform the regulation of gambling in Ireland in a number of ways.

Last minute changes

Well over a decade in the making,[1] the Bill was heavily debated during its passage through parliament, with some heated exchanges on key issues including advertising and inducements in recent weeks. Opposition politicians proposed extensive amendments to the Bill, although very few of these were accepted, with the final changes being largely clarificatory.

Some highlights to note are outlined below.

Key Contacts