08/03/2022
NI's Gambling Laws Set For 'Most Substantial Change' In 40 Years
Northern Ireland's gambling laws are set to undergo the "most substantial changes" in almost 40 years, as new legislative reforms move to the Final Stage in the Assembly.
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey introduced the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Amendment) Bill as a first step in a two-phased approach to reforming the regulation of gambling in NI.
Welcoming the progress of the legislation, Minister Hargey said: "Today sees the Bill complete its legislative passage through the Assembly. It will improve protection for children and young people through the creation of a new offence of inviting, causing or permitting a young person under 18 years to play a high stakes gaming machine. It provides the creation of enabling powers to allow for a levy to be imposed on the industry as well as Codes of Practice.
"The Bill also provides increased opportunities for local charities, sports clubs and other voluntary groups to raise more money for good causes by increasing the maximum ticket price and simplifying the rules around deduction of expenses that apply to societies' lotteries."
The Minister emphasised that she saw this Bill as laying the ground work for much needed wider reforms in the next mandate which will include a new comprehensive legislative framework capable of regulating the online gambling industry wherever it is based and above all putting consumer safety at its heart.
Minister Hargey concluded: "Every journey starts with the first step, and this Bill is the first step in a huge programme of reform of the gambling industry here, with more change to come in the next phase."
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey introduced the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Amendment) Bill as a first step in a two-phased approach to reforming the regulation of gambling in NI.
Welcoming the progress of the legislation, Minister Hargey said: "Today sees the Bill complete its legislative passage through the Assembly. It will improve protection for children and young people through the creation of a new offence of inviting, causing or permitting a young person under 18 years to play a high stakes gaming machine. It provides the creation of enabling powers to allow for a levy to be imposed on the industry as well as Codes of Practice.
"The Bill also provides increased opportunities for local charities, sports clubs and other voluntary groups to raise more money for good causes by increasing the maximum ticket price and simplifying the rules around deduction of expenses that apply to societies' lotteries."
The Minister emphasised that she saw this Bill as laying the ground work for much needed wider reforms in the next mandate which will include a new comprehensive legislative framework capable of regulating the online gambling industry wherever it is based and above all putting consumer safety at its heart.
Minister Hargey concluded: "Every journey starts with the first step, and this Bill is the first step in a huge programme of reform of the gambling industry here, with more change to come in the next phase."
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In recent years, Ireland has witnessed a remarkable surge in the online gambling sector, marking a significant transformation in the nation's gaming landscape. According to Statista, revenue in Ireland's online gambling market is projected to reach €1.12bn in 2023.
19 February 2020
'Time To Stop Gambling With Lives'
The Alliance Party has thrown its weight behind a charity campaign to restrict gambling abuse across Northern Ireland. Gambling With Lives is seeking updates to legislation to better restrict betting and gambling in the hope of preventing more deaths by those who grow addicted.
'Time To Stop Gambling With Lives'
The Alliance Party has thrown its weight behind a charity campaign to restrict gambling abuse across Northern Ireland. Gambling With Lives is seeking updates to legislation to better restrict betting and gambling in the hope of preventing more deaths by those who grow addicted.
15 February 2022
New Bill Introduced To Reform NI's Gambling Laws
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has introduced a new Bill to reform NI's gambling laws. The Minister introduced the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Amendment) Bill as a first phase in wider reform, saying the Bill should be regarded as the start of reform, not the end.
New Bill Introduced To Reform NI's Gambling Laws
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has introduced a new Bill to reform NI's gambling laws. The Minister introduced the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Amendment) Bill as a first phase in wider reform, saying the Bill should be regarded as the start of reform, not the end.
06 December 2010
NI Gamblers 'Need Better Laws'
An official survey has revealed the need for tighter controls on gambling, because some 2% of the adult population in Northern Ireland have a gambling problem. The fact was revealed in a survey commissioned by the Department for Social Development to inform the review of Northern Ireland's outdated gambling laws.
NI Gamblers 'Need Better Laws'
An official survey has revealed the need for tighter controls on gambling, because some 2% of the adult population in Northern Ireland have a gambling problem. The fact was revealed in a survey commissioned by the Department for Social Development to inform the review of Northern Ireland's outdated gambling laws.
30 September 2019
Public To Have Their Say On NI Gambling Issues
The people of Northern Ireland are to have their say on local 'gambling issues' in a future consultation, it has emerged. Christian charity CARE NI revealed details of the consultation after the Department of Communities confirmed it would take place in the "near future".
Public To Have Their Say On NI Gambling Issues
The people of Northern Ireland are to have their say on local 'gambling issues' in a future consultation, it has emerged. Christian charity CARE NI revealed details of the consultation after the Department of Communities confirmed it would take place in the "near future".
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