Problem Gambling Ireland calls on operators to adopt voluntary credit card ban
Harm-prevention charity claims Irish firms could also close VIP schemes to reduce problem gambling rates
Problem Gambling Ireland has called on Irish gambling operators to follow the lead of the UK with a voluntary ban on credit card gambling.
Barry Grant, CEO of the harm-prevention charity, told EGR Compliance that Irish-based operators could do more to combat gambling-related harm.
“[They could] voluntarily agree to impose a credit card ban, end free bets and other inducements, end VIP schemes, agree to impose mandatory deposit limits or end reverse withdrawals, the list goes on,” said Grant.
The charity also said a credit card ban should be included in the proposed modernisation of Irish gambling regulations, although Grant claims the government has shown “little appetite” for making changes to gambling regulations for the time being.
“We are in the middle of a general election campaign in Ireland so we may hopefully see a change in attitude under the new government,” said Grant.
In a statement provided to EGR, the Irish Department of Justice, which is responsible for gambling regulation in Ireland, said the implementation of a credit card ban on the Irish gambling market was a matter for further consideration.
“The Department understands that authorities in the UK will review the decision of the UK Gambling Commission, with a view to identifying any unintended consequences of the decision.
“We will monitor these developments in the course of developing the legislation to introduce an independent regulator, which is currently being drafted.”
Irish authorities are currently developing a new regulatory entity and laws to govern the market, having committed to do so in 2019. The government has confirmed that initial seed funding of €100,000 was provided in the 2020 budget for the establishment of a new gambling regulatory authority.
The new body would take over from the Irish Department of Justice. Online gambling, including online casino, poker, blackjack and bingo are not included in any current legislation and are not regulated in Ireland.
Sharon Byrne, head of the Irish Bookmakers Association (IBA), said its members would welcome developments which improve customer protection and enjoyment.
“We have already introduced many social responsibility practices that are in place in the UK voluntarily and will continue to develop them in line with best practice and customer protection developments,” she added.
However, Alan Heuston, partner and head of the Betting & Gaming Group at Irish law firm McCann Fitzgerald, believes the government will not be able to implement a ban for some time – at least until an independent regulator has been established.
Qualifying his stance, Heuston cited a 2019 speech by Minister of State David Stanton, in which he claimed there was “little or no scope” for immediate gambling reform due to the absence of a regulator.
“Given the similarity between the Irish and UK gambling markets, the question that operators no doubt need to consider is whether they should on a voluntary basis introduce in Ireland similar measures to those which will operate in the UK from April 2020,” Heuston said.