Irish gambling regulator calls for input on new social impact fund
Operators will contribute to the fund via a levy on gambling revenue.
Ireland.- The newly created Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has opened a request for input as it advances with plans for a social impact fund for Irish gambling. The regulator is seeking perspectives from people who have experienced gambling addiction and their families, as well as from addiction services that provide treatment and support.
The GRAI also wants feedback from NGOs, charities, and sporting organisations that work with vulnerable people who may be at risk of gambling-related harm. A needs assessment will be carried out by the state body Pobal via four questionnaires to gather perspectives on gambling-related issues to inform decisions about how funds should be used to advance educational and awareness programmes, research, training and treatment for gambling harm.
Licensed gambling operators will have to contribute to the fund through a levy along the lines of the new British gambling levy. The rate has not yet been set but is expected to be based on turnover.
GRAI chief executive Anne Marie Caulfield said: “This call for input aims to develop an initial assessment of need. It will inform our funding strategy and ensure that we allocate resources in the most effective and impactful manner.”
The regulator said that the questionnaires are structured to gain “insight into the experiences of each group regarding gambling-related harm and its societal impact while helping to identify gaps in existing support services and areas for improvement.”
The deadline for submissions is May 15. Participants can choose to remain involved in the consultation process, allowing further data collection.
Meanwhile, the GRAI has also invited gambling operators to provide input on its proposed licensing framework for gambling in Ireland and to express interest if they are considering applying for a licence. The regulator has also signed a memorandum of understanding with the British Gambling Commission to allow information-sharing and other cooperation.
