Ireland Tweaks Gambling Ad Oversight Responsibility Ahead Of New Regulator Launch

Article by : Erik Gibbs Dec 11, 2024

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Ireland is restructuring its approach to managing complaints about gambling advertisements as the country prepares to launch its new Gambling Regulatory Authority. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has announced an agreement with the incoming regulator to share responsibilities for addressing concerns about gambling ads under a revised framework.

The changes come as part of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, which introduces stricter gambling advertising rules. Among the new measures is a ban on betting-related advertisements on television from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM, alongside other significant restrictions.

The new regulatory authority, expected to begin operations next year, will oversee compliance with these laws and address complaints about violations, including breaches of the TV ad ban.

Orla Twomey, CEO of the ASA, explained that the system is designed to distinguish between different types of complaints. Issues involving breaches of the new Gambling Regulation Act, such as violations of the advertising watershed, will fall under the jurisdiction of the Gambling Regulatory Authority. Meanwhile, the ASA will handle complaints related to its own code of standards that do not overlap with the new law.

The ASA has long served as Ireland’s self-regulating body for advertising, enforcing standards that ensure promotions are legal, decent, and truthful. The organization works across multiple platforms, including television, digital media, cinema, and outdoor advertising.

Twomey emphasized that the partnership with the new gambling regulator would simplify public access to information about responsible gambling advertising.

This collaboration builds on other recent efforts by the ASA to align with regulatory bodies. It has worked with the Irish Film Classification Office and established agreements with Coimisiún na Meán, the statutory overseer for online and media regulation. Twomey noted that these partnerships aim to maintain high advertising standards while safeguarding public interests.

Anne-Marie Caulfield, who has been appointed chief executive of the forthcoming gambling regulator, highlighted the importance of addressing public concerns promptly. She stated that the new authority is committed to ensuring that advertising practices comply with the law while fostering a safe and transparent gambling environment.

Restrictions on advertising and social media are among the key areas the regulator will monitor under the new legislation.

The updated framework reflects Ireland’s effort to adapt its oversight of gambling advertising to align with evolving public and regulatory expectations. By streamlining complaint handling and enforcing stricter rules, the government aims to create a safer and more accountable gambling industry.