Lawmakers in Ireland Continue to Tweak Gambling Reform Bill

Article by : Dasha Jul 4, 2024

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In Ireland, amendments to a new gambling law will include provisions that offer flexibility to philanthropic organizations such as the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), charities, and other not-for-profit entities.

Under the new regulations, these organizations will be allowed certain exemptions and considerations to facilitate their operations without undermining the core objectives of the gambling law.

The Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 outlines several key measures. A notable measure is the prohibition of gambling advertisements during the day to minimize exposure, particularly to vulnerable groups such as children.

Another critical component is the establishment of a Social Impact Fund to support initiatives related to problem gambling. This fund will finance programs and services designed to address and mitigate the impacts of gambling addiction.

The bill also introduces the creation of the country’s first gambling regulator with extensive authority and responsibilities in overseeing and regulating the gambling sector. This regulator will have comprehensive powers to enforce compliance and ensure the sector operates within the legal framework.

The amendments also include provisions for children, allowing them to be present in venues that offer activities beyond gambling, provided strict enforcement is used to prevent children from engaging in gambling activities.

Additionally, licensees will be allowed to have ATMs on their premises, subject to strict regulatory criteria to control and monitor their usage in the context of gambling.

Exemptions are also outlined for operations involving Prize Bonds and prize draws conducted by Credit Unions. These activities will be exempt from the scope of the Gambling Regulation Bill, ensuring these financial instruments and community-based activities can continue without additional regulatory burdens.

In a related development, the Government will not oppose the bill proposed by independent senators to establish a Health Service Executive (HSE) national treatment service for scoliosis. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly will provide an update to the Seanad on progress regarding the waiting times for scoliosis treatments and acknowledge the current challenges.

A report will be provided on the reduction of waiting lists, highlighting a 5% decrease at the end of 2023 compared to the end of 2022, and a further 12% reduction from December 2023 to May 2024.

The 2022 and 2023 Waiting List Action Plans prioritized scoliosis and spina bifida services, which will continue to be a focus in the 2024 Plan. The Government allocated €19 million ($20,5 million) to address pediatric scoliosis and spina bifida waiting lists by enhancing the capacity to perform spinal procedures.

Initiatives under this funding have led to an increase in the number of spinal surgeries performed in the past two years. Ongoing efforts are also in place to develop a comprehensive pediatric spinal care program, aiming to improve the governance and management of spinal services for children.

Furthermore, Trade Minister Peter Burke has secured Government approval to amend the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000 to ensure fair distribution of royalty payments between performers and producers.

The amendments address the issue of equitable remuneration as highlighted in a 2020 Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) judgment and a subsequent High Court ruling. The CJEU determined that Ireland had not correctly transposed provisions of the 2006 Copyright Directive, and these amendments aim to rectify that deficiency.