Seven Board Members Will Lead the GRA in Ireland
The new national gambling regulator in Ireland is set to begin its work on a phased basis, starting next year. It has started work on appointing its seven-strong board with one of its main priorities being responsible gambling.
What’s Next for the New Regulator in Ireland?
Ireland’s new gambling regulator will begin its work on a phased basis, starting from next year.
After years of debate around the future of the industry in the country, the new Gambling Regulation Act has finally been signed by the president, Micheal D Higgins. Included in the Act is the foundation of the new Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, with Anne Marie Caulfield having been appointed to lead the organisation.
However, its work will not get up and running right away, with a phased start instead planned. This means that time can be taken on Ireland’s new licensing system for the gambling sector, with businesses breaking the law if they operate without a proper permit.
Ireland’s new gambling laws have a similar foundation to those in the UK, where the Gambling Commission is responsible for regulating the industry.
A seven-strong board led by Caulfield will be appointed to run the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland.
Permits Preserved
The phased start for the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland means that companies with a licence to operate in the country can continue to do so – for now.
Some gambling firms that welcome customers in Ireland are likely to see their licences expire before the new body is completely operational.
A run-off period is expected to be established while the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland puts its own licensing system in place.
Among the priorities for the new regulatory body will be the establishment of a new national self-exclusion register.
At the moment, betting companies operating in Ireland do not communicate with each other regarding customers who have opted to self-exclude. This means a user can lock themselves out of an account with one online bookmaker but immediately sign up to gamble with another.
Research published last year by the Economic and Social Research Institute found that one in 30 Irish adults exhibiting problematic gambling behaviour, addiction figures could be reduced as a result of the new national self-exclusion register being created.
Racing TV Dismayed By New Rules
Reaction to the new Gambling Regulation Act has been mixed, with the Irish Bookmakers’ Association stating recently that it looked forward to working with the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland.
However, some within the industry have asked questions about how their operations will be affected by legislation such as a ban on daytime gambling advertising.
The future of Racing TV in Ireland, for one, has been cast into doubt as a result. Racecourse Media Group, the company that operates the channel, said it would not be cost-effective to create a tailored advertising feed for Irish viewers.
Chief executive Martin Stevenson said: “Since the legislation has now been passed, I want to state again to the minister, and everyone who is connected to and enjoys Irish racing, that it is simply not economically viable for Racing TV to create a separate channel for Ireland with bookmaker advertising removed.”
Sky Sports Racing has confirmed that it will introduce a separate feed for Irish viewers.
