IAGA SUMMIT FOCUS: THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Te long-awaited Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 (the 'Bill') was published in December 2022. Tis highly anticipated legislation will, when enacted, establish a framework for a modern, robust regulatory and licensing regime for the gambling sector in Ireland. It will also create a new gambling regulator – the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland – focused on public safety and well-being, and responsible for the licensing and regulation of all forms of gambling activity, both online and offline (with the exception of the Irish National Lottery).
During the IAGA Summit session, What’ Happening in the Republic of Ireland, speakers Rob Corbet at Arthur Cox and Micaela Driver at A&L Goodbody, will consider the regulation of gambling in Ireland, including the proposed gambling legislative reforms in the Republic of Ireland. G3 took the opportunity to discuss the changes with both ahead of the summit.
What is the driving change in legislation in the Republic of Ireland?
Micaela: Te Bill has been described by Tánaiste Micheál Martin as “an important and necessary piece of legislation, designed to meet the challenges of gambling responsibly in 21st century Ireland.”
It is a well overdue reform measure, to modernise the regulation and licensing of gambling in Ireland which is still by reference to laws dating back to the 1930s and the 1950s. Tere is also a recognised need to introduce a dedicated gambling regulator – to be known as the 'Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland' (GRAI).
Te GRAI will be responsible for licensing and regulating all forms of gambling in Ireland, including betting, gaming, lotteries (with the exception of the National Lottery) and the sale or supply of products or services related to gambling. It will be equipped with comprehensive powers to regulate the gambling sector, and to meaningfully and swiftly respond to ongoing and future developments in the gambling sector.
Rob: While Ireland has introduced minor updates to the laws governing retail and online gaming, lotteries and betting in recent years, the Gambling Regulation Bill is the first comprehensive overhaul of the Irish gambling environment in modern times. For a long time now, there has been broad political consensus on the need for a more modern regulatory regime that incorporates player protection measures that protect those must vulnerable in society.
What are the potential challenges?
Rob: Overhauling the entirety of gambling regulation in Ireland will take time, so the legislation has been drafted to facilitate commencement of the Bill, section by section, if required. Te Department of Justice has established a Programme Board to ensure legislation and operational preparations are
P40 WIRE / PULSE / INSIGHT / REPORTS
Rob Corbet Partner, Arthur Cox
Rob Corbet is Head of Technology & Innovation Group at Arthur Cox, a market leading team dedicated to specialist data protection, IT and Intellectual Property law.
Rob’s practice is primarily focused on technological innovation. He acts for many of the world’s highest profile internet and technology companies, particularly on privacy, data protection and cyber-security matters. He is a leading authority on GDPR and has represented many clients in their dealings with the Data Protection Commission, including responding to formal domestic and cross border investigations and personally defending clients in criminal prosecutions before the courts. Rob’s Betting and Gaming practice is also market leading, reflecting over two decades of experience in Arthur Cox.
Micaela Diver Partner, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Belfast, A&L Goodbody
Micaela Diver is a partner in A&L Goodbody's Litigation department in Belfast. Micaela specialises in Public & Regulatory law and is experienced in complex, high profile cases in the Northern Irish Commercial Court.
Micaela advises clients in both the public and private sector on contentious and non- contentious public procurement law matters, including large scale outsourcing and infrastructure projects. She also advises clients on competition law matters including compliance, merger control and private damages actions.
Micaela acts for clients in judicial reviews, statutory appeals, investigations (bribery and anti-corruption) and other inquiries across a variety of sectors including energy, utilities, health, transport, construction and the public sector.
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