Ireland’s incoming gambling laws raise concerns for black market betting

Neha Soni September 30, 2024

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Ireland’s incoming gambling laws raise concerns for black market betting

There are fears that restrictions in the Irish Government’s proposed Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 could push people to bet on the black market, according to a leading industry figure.

Ad restrictions

The legislation includes stake and win limits on a few forms of betting, along with a broad restriction on gambling advertising between 5:30 am and 9:00 pm. The matter was also discussed before Seanad last week, where concerns were raised about the negative impact of gambling advertising on young people in Ireland.

On-course bookmaker and a member of the board of State Body Horse Racing Ireland, Daragh Fitzpatrick, warned that these limitations could encourage more gamblers to go to the black market, which was virtually eliminated when the government cut betting taxes more than two decades ago.

Arguing that this trend was also emerging in the United Kingdom, where tougher restrictions are being introduced on gamblers. Fitzpatrick said, “I’ve seen reports from the UK in the last two weeks that it is rampant there.” He further said that the similarity in both markets meant that the Republic often followed suit.

New betting restrictions threaten vital revenue for Irish racing

The proposed restrictions include limits on bets at blackjack, roulette and lotteries to €10 and winnings to €3,000. The gambling advertising ban between 5:30 am and 9:00 pm also applies to specialist channels like Racing TV. Racing TV is a subscription-only service for 18+ and covers all horse racing in Ireland.

The Irish racing industry, which is a key employer in rural Ireland, has voiced concern that curtailing advertisements on channels like Racing TV could damage the sports as it is a vital source of income for racecourses and the sector generally.

The Bill also aims to modernise Ireland’s outdated gaming and betting laws. It will establish a new gambling regulatory authority, introduce new licensing rules, and strengthen consumer rights.

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