James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to reform gambling legislation, with a focus on public safety and well-being from both an online and in person perspective. The Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 sets out the framework and legislative basis for the establishment of a new, independent statutory body – Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland – and for a robust regulatory and licensing regime to regulate gambling in-person and online, and for the regulation of gambling advertising, websites and apps.

At its core, this legislation is a public health measure aimed at protecting our citizens from gambling harm, including younger people and those more vulnerable in our communities.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Bill includes restrictions on: gambling advertising, the use of credit cards for gambling, targeted inducements to gamble, the participation of children in gambling, the employment of children in gambling services, the presence of children on gambling premises.

The legislation shall prohibit the participation of persons aged younger than 18 in gambling activities. There are no plans to increase the age prohibition to 21.