Any watershed or prohibition of betting advertising must be implemented by Ireland’s minister of justice.
Ireland is set to ban gambling advertising as soon as it is “legally and operationally” feasible.
The department of justice confirmed that talks are in place about a potential watershed and prohibition inducements in the country as part of the Gambling Regulation Act.
The act became law in Ireland in October 2024 and has since been phased into effect. It led to the formation of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, which has been tasked with licensing all betting operators.
Under the new regulation, daytime gambling advertising could be prohibited between 5.30am and 9pm. It is also set to introduce rules on how and to whom bookmakers can offer promotions such as free bets.
Any enforcement of this watershed must be implemented by the minister of justice, Jim O’Callaghan.
A spokesperson for the department of justice told the Racing Post: “At its core, the act is a public health measure aimed at protecting citizens from gambling harm, particularly children, young people, and those in our communities who are more vulnerable.
“The advertising provisions of the 2024 Act primarily apply to those licensed by the GRAI and have not been commenced as yet. Work is ongoing between the minister for justice, home affairs and migration, and the office of the attorney general in relation to the commencement of various provisions of the act. It is not possible at this juncture to provide a timeline for the commencement of the provisions in respect of advertising.
“The protections and safeguards provided for in the act are contingent on licences being issued by the GRAI. However, the minister is supportive of their commencement as soon as is legally and operationally feasible.”
