The newly formed Gambling Regulatory Authority has, since Wednesday, taken control of the industry. The underlying goal of the legislation is to protect children and problem gamblers. Measures include advertising and sponsorship restrictions as well as banning industry-wide marketing practices such as free bets, free credit and hospitality. The authority’s remit encompasses all types of gambling so, for example, it will have oversight on draws run by local charities and sports clubs. Irish Times reporter Mark Hilliard explains the delay; how lobbying from vested interests slowed the whole thing down, and what powers the new authority has.

Source: The Irish Times March 07, 2025 18:45 UTC