Flutter Concerned Over Ireland’s Gambling Regulation Bill

While Flutter Entertainment has long advocated for gambling regulation in Ireland, the company remains concerned about the potential unintended consequences of the newly passed Gambling Regulation Bill. As Ireland’s most significant update to its gambling laws since 1956, the bill introduces measures that could impact the future of horse racing and drive more players to the black market.

Flutter Expresses Concerns Over Ireland’s New Gambling Regulation Bill Despite Support

Flutter Entertainment, one of the largest gambling operators in the world, has responded to the passing of Ireland’s Gambling Regulation Bill, expressing both support and concerns. The bill, first introduced in 2022, has now been passed through the Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann, marking a historic overhaul of Ireland’s gambling laws. This legislative reform is set to bring about sweeping changes, including advertising restrictions, a ban on inducements, and the creation of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann).

Key Points:

1. Gambling Regulation Bill Passed in Ireland: Ireland’s Gambling Regulation Bill introduces significant changes to the industry, including a new gambling regulator, advertising prohibitions, and a National Gambling Exclusion Register.
2. Concerns from Flutter Entertainment: Flutter is worried about the bill’s impact on horse racing and its potential to push players toward the unlicensed black market.
3. Supporting Regulation with Caution: While supporting the bill overall, Flutter highlights certain provisions that may have unintended negative consequences for the gambling industry and horse racing.

The Bill and Its Major Changes

The Gambling Regulation Bill establishes a framework to regulate the gambling industry in Ireland, addressing issues such as advertising, stake limits, and inducements. It also introduces a Social Impact Fund to support problem gambling initiatives and creates a National Gambling Exclusion Register to aid individuals who wish to self-exclude from gambling activities.

The bill was welcomed by industry stakeholders for its goal of raising standards and creating a more regulated market. However, various concerns have been raised during its development, particularly regarding stake and win limits, advertising restrictions, and the potential rise of the black market.

Flutter’s Concerns

As a leading operator in the gambling industry, Flutter Entertainment has been vocal in its support for greater regulation in Ireland. A spokesperson for Flutter stated, “As a vocal advocate for regulation in Ireland for more than a decade, we welcome the new Gambling Regulation Bill but remain concerned about a number of unintended consequences.”

One of the primary concerns raised by Flutter is the potential impact on horse racing in Ireland, a sport that is closely linked to the gambling industry. Flutter believes that certain provisions in the bill could undermine the future of horse racing by limiting betting opportunities and restricting the promotion of gambling services.

Another major concern is the risk of players turning to the unlicensed black market, which could thrive if strict regulations push customers away from licensed operators. As seen in other countries, such as Sweden and the Netherlands, the black market has grown when legal operators faced stringent restrictions, leading to a loss of tax revenue and a lack of consumer protections.

Industry Response and Collaboration

While Flutter acknowledges the importance of regulation, it hopes to work with the newly established Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland to ensure the bill’s measures are implemented in a way that avoids any adverse effects on the industry.

The company’s concerns echo earlier warnings from the Irish Bookmakers Association (IBA), which raised the issue of “unintended consequences” during the bill’s drafting phase. The IBA and other industry bodies have argued that certain advertising restrictions, stake limits, and inducement bans may have the opposite of their intended effect, leading to a shift toward unregulated gambling and a potential negative impact on horse racing revenues.

Flutter’s spokesperson concluded, “We believe the way it has been written could have an impact on the future of horse racing in Ireland and drive more players into the open arms of the unlicensed and unregulated black market.”

Looking Ahead

With the Gambling Regulation Bill now passed, the next step is for it to be signed into law. As Ireland prepares for this new regulatory era, Flutter and other industry stakeholders will continue to engage with the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland to ensure the sustainable growth of the sector while addressing the potential risks of over-regulation.

While Flutter Entertainment supports the new Gambling Regulation Bill in Ireland, the company remains wary of its potential impact on horse racing and the rise of black market gambling. As the industry adjusts to these legislative changes, Flutter aims to work closely with the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland to ensure a balanced approach that raises standards without negatively affecting the broader gambling ecosystem.