Ms Pam Bergin:

The Gambling Awareness Trust strongly supports the introduction of regulation for the industry in Ireland. It is very encouraged by the work of the committee to date in bringing this legislation forward. Robust, effective regulation and enforcement are paramount to ensuring the highest standards are implemented across all operators in the Irish market and the protection of consumers, particularly those most vulnerable to engaging in harmful gambling activity.

The Gambling Awareness Trust is an independent charity that was established in 2019. It is overseen by a voluntary board of directors to fund research, education and awareness, treatment and rehabilitation and supports to minimise gambling harm across Ireland. We are funded by donations to a social responsibility fund via the Irish Bookmakers Association, IBA, its members and other online betting and casino operators. However, not all sectors of the Irish gambling industry are contributing. We request that a regulator ensure that non-contribution is no longer an option.

Since 2019, we have received over €2.5 million in funding, €2 million of which has been allocated to services which we carefully select, vet, monitor and supervise to ensure those who are seeking and receiving support are provided with the highest standards of care. Over 1,000 individuals have been supported through this funding. We commissioned Maynooth University to undertake research which resulted in the publication of the 2021 report, Gambling, Harms, Trends and Responses: Ireland in an International Context. The findings of this report inform our current strategic plan.

We funded the design and development of two level 8 continuing professional development, CPD, specialist training courses for practitioners in the field. We have funded online, television and radio awareness campaigns and we have developed dedicated websites and social media channels. We provided funding for the first gambling addiction-specific residential programme at Cuan Mhuire, which opened in 2020. We have developed the national problem gambling support service in collaboration with the National Forum of Family Resource Centres, which will be launched in the coming weeks. We also fund the operation of the national helpline.

Regulation of the industry in Ireland is broadly welcomed by all sectors of society as it will ensure all operators are obliged to meet and implement the highest standards of practice, which will minimise gambling harm and protect the most vulnerable consumers. The introduction of a statutory levy across all operators will secure significant funding for treatment and support services across the country, as well as the promotion of awareness and prevention measures and the production of much needed contemporary national research in the field. Strict measures concerning sanctions and fines for breaches of practice will help ensure consistency in player protection. Any funding accrued should be directed into national treatment and support services.

The operational structure of the Gambling Awareness Trust mirrors the proposed social impact fund set out in the Bill. We strongly support this measure and, having developed a cost-effective, proactive strategy for managing funding and responding to need within a relatively short timeframe, we would be very happy to provide any information or support to the regulatory authority on the matter.