A proposal for new gambling laws in Ireland is calling for the banning of free bets in the country, the legislative measures will feature during a Cabinet hearing on Tuesday. The proposal also intends to ban incentives or VIP treatment for certain players.
Irish Minister for Justice Heather Humphreys and Minister of State in the Department of Justice James Browne have both reportedly been involved in its creation.
The proposal also includes the creation of a gambling regulator in the country, with the objective of having it running at the maximum until the beginning of 2022.
The new regulator would then have the power to suspend or revoke gambling licenses in Ireland and also be able to freeze accounts and block payments received to operators.
Other changes to the proposal are related to gambling advertising, with the regulator dictating the frequency and times at which this type of advertisement could appear on television and radio.
The proposal also calls for the creation of a social impact fund to finance measures to raise awareness of gambling and drug addiction treatment. The funds would come from a fee that would be applied to gambling operators.
Gambling industry in Ireland
In recent years, the gambling industry has experienced a boom in popularity in Ireland. Quarantine also had a big impact and provided many new users to online casinos and gambling sites. An increase in players also means an increase in the number of people with gambling problems, which is why the Irish Government is working on a new bill on the control of gambling in Ireland.
Paul Collins is a freelance journalist from Newport, Wales. Paul has worked within the Gaming Industry since 2009. Paul focuses mainly on sports but also covers regulatory and compliance news pieces.