Sinn Féin submits gambling proposal in Northern Ireland

The political party from Northern Ireland has submitted a proposal to change gambling laws in the territory.

Northern Ireland.- Sinn Féin MLA Sinéad Ennis is urging the modernisation of current gambling laws in Northern Ireland. The official aim to update the laws to protect young and vulnerable people from problem gambling

Ennis argues that the current gambling laws in the north are out of date. She submitted the party’s proposals to modernise the law to bring it into line with changes in technology and new forms of gambling, such as online, fixed-term betting odds and casinos.

“The reality is, online betting has no closing time. Smartphones are a casino open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We need legislation which is properly equipped to regulate these websites and help protect the most vulnerable.

“Our recommendations include; the establishment of an Independent Gambling Regulator and an immediate age verification process for online gambling. Problem gambling does not only affect the gambler; it has wider implications for society and lasting impacts on relationships with family and friends.”

“Sinn Féin is committed to tackling problem gambling north and south. The most effective way to do that is through modernised and fit for purpose legislation.”