Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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1349. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the measures that have been taken as part of the gambling regulation Bill to control online gambling given its unlicensed status and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30472/22]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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At present, the regulation of gambling is provided for under the Betting Act 1931 (as amended) which is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Finance, and the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 (as amended), which falls under my remit. These acts provide for the licensing and operation of bookmakers, including betting by remote means, and for the control and regulation of gaming and lottery activities. 

Gaming as understood by the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956, does not include the provision of games and lotteries by remote means, such as online or via apps. In that context , the Programme for Government gives a clear commitment to establish a gambling regulator focused on public safety and well-being, covering gambling online and in person, and the powers to regulate advertising, gambling websites and apps. 

The Government has approved the Gambling Regulation Bill for priority drafting and publication, and drafting is under way. Importantly, the Bill will address the currently fragmented legislative framework in relation to gambling in the State and the regulation of same. To achieve this, the Bill will introduce a modernised and streamlined licensing framework to reflect the nature of gambling in the State, with new types of licences for both in-person and online / remote betting as follows:

- Business to Consumer Gaming, Betting and Lottery Licences;

- Business to Business Licences; and

- Gambling licences for Charitable/Philanthropic Causes.

This approach is based on the recommendations of both the Inter-Departmental Working Group on Future Licensing and Regulation of Gambling and the Final report on the establishment of a modern regulatory environment and authority for all gambling activities licensed in Ireland. These reports are available on my Department’s website as follows: 

- www.justice.ie/en/JELR/IDWG-Report-on-Future-Licensing-and-Regulation-of-Gambling.pdf/Files/IDWG-Report-on-Future-Licensing-and-Regulation-of-Gambling.pdf 

- www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Final-Report-on-Gambling-Regulation.pdf/Files/Final-Report-on-Gambling-Regulation.pdf

The Bill includes provisions to ensure that the Authority will have the necessary powers to enforce the licensing regime with statutory power to impose a range of appropriate sanctions. 

There is a pathway mapped for this legislation progressing which, with the cooperation of the Houses of the Oireachtas, will facilitate the Authority being established and operational in 2023.  

Recruitment of the CEO Designate is also underway through an open Public Appointments Service competition.

A Programme Board has been established in my Department to ensure that the legislation and the operational preparations are progressed in parallel so that the Authority commences operations as soon as possible after enactment.