Ireland is poised to enact the Gambling Regulation Bill, a serious legislative move addressing the growing concern of gambling addiction. The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has reported a startling increase in gambling issues, with one in thirty Irish adults suffering from addiction, a tenfold rise since 2019. Additionally, 279,000 adults display moderate signs of gambling addiction.
This surge in problem gambling has prompted the government to introduce the bill, which aims to establish the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). The GRAI will oversee both online and in-person gambling, implementing strict advertising restrictions and robust regulatory measures.
The bill, welcomed by addiction experts, seeks to protect vulnerable populations and reduce gambling harm. Barry Grant from Extern Problem Gambling views the introduction of a dedicated regulator as a positive development for Ireland.
However, industry leaders like Barry Gibson, chairman of Ladbrokes' owner Entain, express caution. They warn that excessive restrictions, especially in advertising, might threaten the industry's viability, underscoring the need for a balanced approach in the legislation.
Flutter's CEO, Peter Jackson, also questions the extent of gambling's societal impact, reflecting the industry's concerns over the bill's implications.
