Criticisms of new Irish gambling law

The proposed new gambling law for Ireland has been rated a failed opportunity by industry experts after the country’s Department of Justice rejected protections to prevent gamblers from losing more than they can afford.

The Irish Examiner reports this week that a suggestion by the Justice Committee that gambling companies should be forced to make good losses by players where they are aware that he or she is gambling beyond their means, was also rejected.

The proposed new laws include a gambling regulatory authority, a TV ban on advertising between 5.30am and 9pm, a ban on offers and promotions such as free bets and the creation of a fund to finance the treatment of problem gambling.

But the department has also rejected a plan for background checks on players registering for online gambling as it would be open to “manipulation.” It is expected that the new regulations will come into force this year.