Lottoland Urges Irish Government to Reconsider Gambling Reforms Amid Public Concerns

Are Irish gambling reforms going too far? Lottoland, a prominent player in the industry, is raising concerns and urging the Irish government to reconsider its stance. A recent survey has revealed that a significant portion of the public supports the proposed Gambling Regulation Bill 2022, but there are worries that some of the proposed measures may be overly restrictive. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of Lottoland’s call for a review of the reforms and explore the public sentiment surrounding these changes.

Lottoland, a key player in the Irish gambling industry, is making a bold call for a rethink of the proposed gambling reforms in Ireland. As concerns grow among the public regarding increasingly stringent regulations, the company has commissioned research shedding light on the current sentiment.

According to the research, a significant 75% of respondents support the plans outlined in the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022, which aims to introduce more extensive regulation to the sector. However, Lottoland is concerned that some aspects of the proposed regulations, such as win and wager limits, may be too restrictive for certain individuals.

The survey also unveiled that two-thirds of those surveyed believe that individuals should have the freedom to engage in responsible gambling. Interestingly, 19% of current bettors stated that they would seek alternative gambling methods if restrictions were imposed in Ireland. Shockingly, less than one-third of respondents were aware of the government’s new legislation designed to regulate the gambling industry.

As the Irish government moves closer to completing the legislative process for gambling sector regulation, the proposed bill includes far-reaching changes. These include a ban on gambling advertisements during much of the day and an end to inducements like free bets. Some games would be subjected to maximum win limits of €3,000 or maximum bet limits of €10. To oversee these changes, the bill introduces a new regulatory body, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI).

Mike Kirwan, the Vice-President of Lottoland, expressed the company’s support for the bill’s overarching goals, particularly the establishment of GRAI. However, he voiced concerns about the lack of clear and robust definitions within the new laws, warning of potential unintended consequences stemming from legal ambiguities. Kirwan urges Minister James Browne and the regulator-designate to engage more actively with industry experts and heed their concerns.

Kirwan emphasized, “Lottoland remains steadfast in its commitment to developing and adopting a comprehensive, evidence-based legislative framework for the gambling, betting, and lotteries sector in Ireland. However, we believe that the legislation’s current form is crucial in establishing an effective, adaptable, and sustainable framework for the long term, while still ensuring an enjoyable yet safe gambling experience for all customers.”

The research was conducted by Ireland Thinks on behalf of Lottoland, involving a representative sample of 1,387 individuals in Ireland.

The Gambling Regulation Bill, initially approved in November 2022 and with its most recent version published in July, continues to spark controversy with proposals like the advertising ban. Despite strong opposition, the bill suggests a watershed ban on gambling advertisements for radio and television between 5.30 am and 9 pm, effectively eliminating significant ad slots from broadcasters’ schedules.

Another noteworthy reform proposed in the bill is the ban on free bets. This measure is aimed at reducing the influence of gambling on children and vulnerable groups.

Recent findings from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) indicate that one in 30 adults in Ireland experiences some form of problem gambling, underscoring the urgency of addressing these concerns and ensuring responsible gambling practices in the country.