Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 November 2020
155. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Justice if her Department will be bringing forward legislation to regulate the area of online gambling and gambling advertising given the lack of regulation combined with scale and nature of problem gambling which has been extenuated during the public health lockdowns. [37242/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
Work is currently underway in my department on the development of the legislation to provide for the necessary modern licensing and regulatory provisions for the Irish gambling industry. I hope to bring proposals in that regard to Government next year.
Given the size, complexity and technological development of the modern gambling industry and having regard to the current outdated and complex arrangements, it will be important that the regulator will be established on a strong footing and adequately resourced to carry out this important task.
