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Proposed Legislation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2022

Tuesday, 8 February 2022

Questions (572, 573, 574, 575)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

572. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice when the gambling regulation Bill will be introduced in the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6184/22]

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Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

573. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice when the gambling regulation Bill will impose a requirement on gambling platforms and providers to assess whether gamblers can afford the bets they are placing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6185/22]

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Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

574. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if it is proposed to include within the gambling regulation Bill a requirement that the regulator will have a single customer view that will be linked to all gambling operators; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6186/22]

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Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

575. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if the gambling regulation Bill will require the regulator to ensure that problem gambling can be tackled through a single customer view and an assessment of affordability on the part of gamblers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6187/22]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 572 to 575, inclusive, together.

The Programme for Government gives a clear commitment to establish a gambling regulator focused on public safety and well-being, covering gambling online and in person, and the powers to regulate advertising, gambling websites and apps.

The Government has approved the Gambling Regulation Bill for priority drafting and publication. Drafting of the Bill is now underway.

The Bill will set out the framework and legislative basis for the establishment of a new independent, statutory body – the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland – to implement a robust regulatory and licensing regime for the gambling sector.

A Programme Board has been established in my Department to ensure that the legislation and the operational preparations are progressed in parallel so that the Authority commences operations as soon as possible after enactment. There is a pathway mapped for this legislation progressing, which will facilitate the Authority being established and operational in 2023.

The Authority will have the necessary enforcement powers for licensing and to enable it to take appropriate and focused action where providers are failing to comply with the provisions of this Bill and with the Authority’s licensing terms and conditions, regulations and codes.

Certain pragmatic prohibitions are being put forward to minimise the ill-effects of gambling. Such measures include the establishment of an exclusionary register and the prohibition of credit facilities and inducements.

The establishment of an exclusionary register by the Authority will assist those people who do not want to participate in any licensed gambling, betting or lottery activities provided by licence holders.

The Exclusionary Register will be completely voluntary and may only be accessed by the Authority or the licence holders, insofar as to assist them in preventing persons on the register from accessing premises or services licensed by the Authority, at the request of the person. A person may request to be excluded from entering all gaming premises or specified gaming premises, and/or from accessing and participating in (all or specified) licensed games, services and activities provided by all licence holders.

Affordability checks are not provided for under this legislation. The proposed approach prohibits the offer or extension of credit (of any kind) or loans or similar facilities to players of licensed services or activities. This means that where a player has exceeded the amount they have deposited they will not be able to avail of any credit options, credit note, tokens, loans, etc., and will have to pay via a permitted payment method to continue playing.

Question No. 573 answered with Question No. 572.
Question No. 574 answered with Question No. 572.
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