Written answers

Wednesday, 22 January 2025

Department of Justice and Equality

Gambling Sector

Photo of Paul McAuliffePaul McAuliffe (Dublin North-West, Fianna Fail)
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1013. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the licensing regulations regarding poker tournaments with prize money in excess of €50,000; and if there are any plans for further regulation. [1427/25]

Photo of James BrowneJames Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 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.

The Act provides for a robust regulatory and licensing regime to regulate gambling in-person and online, including lotteries and other similar gambling activities permitted under the Act, and for the regulation of gambling advertising, websites and apps.

Games such as poker are currently regulated under section 9A of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 as inserted by section 4 of the Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Act 2019. This section of the Act sets out the conditions for a licensee of a gaming permit under this Act, including the maximum stakes of €10 and maximum winnings of €3,000 per game. This section provides the Minister with the regulation making power to vary these amounts if necessary.

Under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, Schedule 2 provides for the maximum relevant payments and the maximum winnings for certain gambling activities. These amounts are based on the limits introduced in 2019 to the Gaming and Lotteries Acts 1956. These limits may be varied by the Authority, with the consent of the Minister, as provided in section 82(2) of the Act. The maximum relevant payment and winning limits in the Bill are not new and are a direct continuation of the measures, albeit modernised, already provided for in the 1956 Act, as amended.

It is also important to emphasise that the limits set out in Schedule 2 are an initial baseline, based on existing limits. The Authority will have the power to vary these amounts, with the consent of the Minister for Justice.

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