Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 October 2023
217. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice if the proposed Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 will impact on traditional community pastimes such as bingo and card drives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47184/23]
View answerAt present the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956, as amended, provides for the promotion of lotteries, including bingo, under either a lottery licence or permit depending on the nature of the activity being provided. Activities such as card drives are currently licensed under gaming licences, also issued under the 1956 Act.
The Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to reform gambling legislation, with a focus on public safety and well-being from both an online and in-person perspective.
The Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 sets out the framework and legislative basis for the establishment of a new, independent statutory body – Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland – and for a robust regulatory and licensing regime to regulate gambling in-person and online including lotteries and other similar gambling activities permitted under the Bill and for the regulation of gambling advertising, websites and apps.
At its core, the Bill is a public health measure aimed at protecting our citizens from gambling harm, including younger people and those more vulnerable in our communities. The Bill completed Committee Stage in Dáil Éireann on 11 July and is awaiting Report Stage.
Once enacted the Bill will provide the Authority with the necessary enforcement powers for licensing and 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, conditions and regulations.
In this context, the Bill provides for the continued licensing and regulation of lotteries, including bingo, and the provision of card games, similar to the 1956 Act. The licensing provisions in the Bill are a direct continuation of the measures, albeit modernised, already provided for on the Statute Book in the 1956 Act.
Existing licence and permit holders should have no issue with compliance with the Bill as they will already be familiar with the requirements of the 1956 Act, as amended.
