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With one final minor hurdle to clear, Ireland’s new era of gambling regulation is on the cusp of finally commencing, but a clear timeline for its next steps is still unclear.
A spokesperson for the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed to žž GamblingCompliance that the final version of the Gambling Regulation Bill, which was passed by both of Ireland’s legislative houses on October 16, will now be referred to the President for signature.
Under Irish law, the President has between five and seven days to sign the legislation after it has been presented to them.
After the bill is enacted, the DOJ hopes the bill will be “commenced as early as possible to provide for the establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) and the commencement of its functions”.
The Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 sets out the framework and legislative basis for the establishment of the GRAI, a new gambling regulator.
The bill also introduces a new regulatory and licensing regime to regulate gambling in person and online, including lotteries and other activities and for the regulation of gambling advertising, websites and apps.
“A CEO Designate of the Authority has been appointed, a Programme Board is in place and an implementation support team is working to ensure that the legislation and the operational preparations are progressed in parallel.
“These preparations are to ensure that the Authority is in a position to commence operations, on a phased basis, as soon as possible after its establishment,” the DOJ said.
There will be an array of licences available in Ireland, including B2C licences covering several types of gaming, gambling and betting, a B2B licence and a charitable or philanthropic licence.
Licensees will be unable to advertise with “an audio-visual on-demand media service, an on-demand sound service or a broadcaster” between the hours of 5:30am and 9:00pm, according to the bill.
There will be a €10 bet limit for land-based and online casino games, as well as a maximum €3,000 payout.
All licences will be required to pay into the Social Impact Fund.
