Some senators are advocating a return of a complete ban on gambling bonuses as the discussion of Ireland's Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 approaches legal passage. Senator Lynn Ruane of the Dublin University constituency and Senator Alice Mary Higgins of the National University have led this push. They introduced the motion on October 2nd in an effort to revive its original proposal to prohibit gambling operators from offering bonuses. They argued that bonuses would be detrimental to Ireland's regulated gambling market because they could increase the risk of problem gambling, particularly among young and vulnerable players.
Initially, senators like John McGahon had cautioned against the ban, claiming it would drive gamblers to the uncontrolled black market. The bill is in its last stages and should become legislation shortly. It is envisioned to transform Ireland's gambling market completely.
The Last Minute Concerted Push For Prohibition
Recent events have seen Irish senators Alice Mary Higgins and Lynn Ruane vigorously pursue the reintroduction of the ban on gambling bonuses. The ban was initially included in the first draft of the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022. It barred all gambling operators from providing bonuses meant to draw in customers. You can review a complete list of such bonuses at casinobonusesnow.com. The lower parliament, Dáil Éireann, reversed this rule during a May 2024 debate. It was found that completely prohibiting gambling incentives was impractical. Amendments were added in place of it to allow bonuses—including free bets. However, gambling operators would not employ targeted strategies. Senators Higgins and Ruane remained unconvinced.
Arguments For The Ban
In October 2024, the two senators proposing the ban argued strongly against the relaxation stating that allowing gambling companies to incentivize gamblers poses serious risks to the vulnerable population.
Senator Ruane stated, "These types of inducements are a gateway to gambling for young people. There are clear examples of inducements being prohibited in various contexts. The national lottery cannot provide free or reduced-cost tickets; alcohol retailers are prohibited from operating happy hours or loyalty card programs; and retailers are legally prohibited from providing voucher coupons for tobacco products."
Ruane felt that some sections of the bill were unbalanced in their approach to protecting players. In her opinion, gambling companies, not customers, should bear the responsibility of protecting the Irish population.
Senator Mark Wall, another proponent, said, "For the life of me, I can't see why (the minister) needs to introduce free bets and inducements. We want to protect the most vulnerable. We have to do this. "The only way to protect the most vulnerable is to use this bill to prohibit inducements and free bets."
The Fierce opposition
Despite the strong arguments raised, the proposal to reinstate the bonus ban does not change the current situation. Its opponents, including the outspoken Senator John McGohan, rejected it, citing the futility of total prohibition. According to Senator McGahon, completely prohibiting bonuses would only drive gamblers to the black market, where player protection is nearly impossible. It would be a counterproductive move, given that the attractiveness of the black market is one of the reasons for developing the bill.
According to McGahon, total prohibition would reduce communication between gambling operators and their customers. Worse, it would undermine market competition, harming the larger interests of participants and the country as a whole.
James Browne, an Irish Parliament's lower house member, emphasized the importance of prohibiting targeted approaches rather than a blanket ban on bonuses. The Teachta Dála praised the alternative as a practical way to protect underage people from harmful exposure to the gambling industry.
The New Law
On October 23, 2024, President Michael D. Higgins signed the bill into law, ensuring that the relaxed regulations on gambling incentives would remain in effect. Signing the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 resulted in the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, which significantly altered the Irish gambling landscape. The new Act allows for the implementation of a compromise to balance player protection efforts with the nuances of a practical gambling market.
The Act also establishes the Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann (Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland). This body is now in charge of licensing and regulating betting, as well as various lotteries and gaming. It also oversees the sale of gambling products and services.
Most importantly, the authority now protects vulnerable populations and the general public from gambling-related harm. The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) now ensures compliance with gambling advertisement laws, prohibits children from participating in gambling, and facilitates the amendment of various related enactments.
Conclusion
The effort to shield the Irish people from the significant threats of the gaming industry has generated intense arguments, particularly in 2024. Though rejected, at least Senators Alice Mary Higgins and Lynn Ruane's proposal was well-intentioned. Instituting the other protective alternatives was more realistic. However, only time will tell their effectiveness and current developments. Meanwhile, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland has a working system that it can best apply to guarantee the welfare of the people.
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