The Irish Bookmakers Association(IBA), which represents over 750 of the 780 betting shops in Ireland, welcomes the approval for publication of the Gambling Regulation Bill. The Bill gives a clear commitment to establishing regulation, covering gambling online and in person, with the powers to issue and enforce standards, award or revoke licences, and apply financial sanctions or penalties. We believe that it is in the interests of both consumers and operators that the Office of the Regulator is established and operational as soon as possible, to regulate this ever-changing sector and ensure all operators abide by the highest standards of safer gambling.
Sharon Byrne, Chairperson of the IBA said:
“As anticipated, the bill is extensive and appears to afford the Regulator the power and flexibility to regulate an ever-evolving sector. We will review the legislation when published, in full. Today’s approval for publication of the bill represents another major milestone in the development of the regulation of the sector, which the IBA has called for over many years. The IBA has made significant strides to increase player protections including most recently updating its code of practice for Safer Gambling which was announced in August 2021 and looks forward to the further progress which can be made through the forum provided for by the new Office of the Regulator. We look forward to working with the CEO and her team, to introduce and enforce practical, evidence based and effective regulation of gambling in Ireland.”
To read the Government Press release on Approval for publication of the Gambling Regulation Bill, please click here