Ireland wants to set new gambling regulations

Betting companies could be forced to close accounts if new Government plans prosper in the country.

Ireland.- The Government of Ireland has agreed not to oppose a new gambling control legislation proposed by Fianna Fáil, the Republican Party from Ireland. The bill seeks a clear basis to regulate the gambling industry.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan brought the proposal to Cabinet yesterday as part of a new crackdown on betting firms. The measure also wants to set fresh restrictions on TV and online adverts, as well as a new basis to regulate the gambling sector.

The new plans also include the creation of an independent gambling regulator that would be in charge of imposing fines on gambling firms that don’t comply with new laws. The regulations also include demands to shut down accounts of compulsive players if it can be proven that they’re losing large amounts of money that they would not be able to repay. The regulator may be allowed to secretly pose as a compulsive gambler in order to see if the rules are being implemented or not.

The bill also wants to regulate the casino sector through a new licensing scheme, which would also be applied to the controversial fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs).

Fianna Fáil said that the legislation proposes a clear basis to regulate the industry, protect vulnerable people and restrict the advertising and sponsorship of gambling, local media reported. Nevertheless, the government will also wait for the outcome of an interdepartmental review on gambling regulation and insists that independent regulation must be a priority.