Ireland has officially passed the Gambling Regulation Bill, a major step forward in reforming the country’s gambling industry. The bill, which was first introduced in December 2022, has now passed through both Houses of the Oireachtas, Ireland’s national parliament. This historic legislation paves the way for the creation of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann), which will oversee the licensing and regulation of gambling activities across the country. This marks the first significant change in Ireland’s gambling laws since 1956, addressing modern issues in the rapidly evolving betting industry.
The new bill introduces a range of measures to protect the public from the potential harms of gambling. Advertising for gambling will be banned during certain hours, specifically from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM, in order to shield vulnerable individuals, particularly young people, from exposure. The legislation also tackles issues like the black market by implementing stronger measures to monitor and regulate illegal gambling activities. Additionally, the bill includes the creation of a Social Impact Fund to raise awareness about gambling-related problems and establishes a National Gambling Exclusion Register, allowing individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling services.
What This Means for Ireland
The passage of this bill represents a significant modernization of Ireland’s gambling laws. Minister of State at the Department of Justice, James Browne, praised the legislation, stating that it creates a “streamlined, simplified, and coherent licensing framework”. Moreover, one that better suits today’s digital and fast-paced gambling environment. Browne emphasized that the bill’s core focus is public health, aiming to protect citizens. Especially young people and vulnerable groups, from the dangers of gambling addiction and harm.
Anne Marie Caulfield, the CEO designate of the newly established Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, expressed her commitment to ensuring that licensees operate within the framework of this legislation. She emphasized that the Authority will take a phased approach. Initially focusing on licensing while establishing important safeguards to address problem gambling. As the new regulatory regime comes into effect, it is expected to significantly reshape Ireland’s gambling landscape. Making it safer and more responsible for everyone involved. The bill is now awaiting final approval from President Michael D. Higgins before being signed into law.
The Status of Online Gambling with Bitcoin in Ireland: What You Need to Know
Ireland currently allows online gambling. Like many countries, it is gradually adapting to the growing use of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. While the country’s gambling laws are evolving with the passage of the Gambling Regulation Bill, there are no specific regulations at present that directly govern the use of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies for gambling. However, Irish players can use Bitcoin on international online gambling platforms that accept cryptocurrency. As long as those platforms have a license and comply with Irish gambling laws.
The new Gambling Regulation Bill, set to bring sweeping changes to Ireland’s gambling industry, does not explicitly mention cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. However, as the country establishes the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, we expect that further regulatory frameworks will emerge. These may include guidance on the use of cryptocurrencies in gambling. Bitcoin becomes more popular for its anonymity, speed, and convenience. For now, players in Ireland can use Bitcoin for online gambling on websites that operate internationally. But they should always ensure that these platforms are licensed and trustworthy.
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