Ireland sets new legislation

Gaming industry in Ireland will comply with a new legislation that was approved this week by the government.

Ireland.- The Irish government announced new measures to control the local gaming industry. Authorities are set to publish the full law in the upcoming weeks, although the conditions were revealed yesterday by the local press. The Irish Cabinet passed yesterday the Courts and Civil Liabilities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill.

According to the new regulation, the minimum age to participate in gaming platforms and venues would be 18 years old. The bill also adds several amendments to the current Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956. New measures would not take effect until the government officially releases the full legislation.

Currently, 16-year-old citizens are able to enter to gaming venues, such as carnivals, circuses, amusement halls, arcades, funfairs, which offer different entertainment services including slot machines and sports betting events. Furthermore, the Courts and Civil Liabilities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill proposes measures to regulate the sporting club lottos and raffles sectors.

“This is an important issue.  It is also important the Government puts in place a proper regulatory structure around gambling, both to regulate an industry from which many people get much pleasure but also one which gives rise to people becoming addicted, impoverished and unwell as a consequence. Legislation in this area is long overdue,” commented Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to the Journal Ireland.