Research has found strong links between childhood experiences of gambling and problem gambling in adulthood. Those who gambled before the age of 18 are almost twice as likely to engage in problem gambling later in life.
Child protection is one of the key principles of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 and will therefore be a major focus of our work. The Act has not yet been fully commenced, but when it is Ireland will have the heaviest penalties in the EU for allowing children to engage in gambling.
Allowing a child to bet, to open a betting account or to enter a registered bookmaking premises is already an offence under the Betting Act 1931. This also applies to remote betting intermediaries . If you are aware of a child gambling, either online or in person, please report it to An Garda Síochána.
When the Act is fully commenced:
Allowing a child to participate in a gambling activity will carry a potential penalty of 8 years’ imprisonment.
It will be illegal for a licensed gambling business to employ a child.
The licensee/owner of a gambling website will not be allowed to sponsor:
an event in which the majority of those attending or competing are children
an event aimed at children
an organisation, club or team in which children are members
a premises that is used by that organisation, club or team or
a public activity that appeals to children.
The licensee/owner of a gambling website will have to have a parental control programme displayed on their homepage and on each online platform where a gambling activity can be accessed.
Advertising that promotes gambling will not be permitted to be shown on TV or radio between the hours of 5.30am and 9.00pm.
Advertising that targets children and portrays gambling as attractive will be illegal.
It will be an offence for gambling companies to target children with branded clothes and merchandise.
When determining the suitability of a premises in which it is proposed to provide gambling activities, its vicinity to both schools and other premises that offer licenced in-person gambling activities will be considered.
*Obligations under the Act will apply to licence holders, when they become licenced by GRAI, which will be on a phased basis.
