Flutter has Concerns about Ireland’s Gambling Regulation Bill

Earlier this week, the gambling industry in Ireland went thru some major changes. This is because the Gambling Regulation Bill in Ireland passed both houses and will soon become law. Or at leas,t it will as soon as President Higgins signs uit. However, some sports betting companies and operators are not all on board with it. In fact, Flutter has Concerns about Ireland’s Gambling Regulation Bill or at least some parts of it.

This is because they have concerns as to how it will impact the horse betting market or those that want to open a racebook. In addition, they believe that it could create a rise in the illegal sports gambling market.

The Reasons why Flutter has Concerns over the Gambling Regulation Bill in Ireland

Flutter Entertainment has responded to the recently passed Gambling Regulation Bill in Ireland, which was finalized this week.

Initially introduced in late 2022 in Dáil Éireann, the bill has successfully navigated through both Houses of the Oireachtas. According to the pay per head industry, it is the first significant overhaul of gambling legislation in Ireland since 1956.

The legislation establishes the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, known as Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann, and introduces various measures concerning advertising, the black market, and inducements. Additionally, it will create a Social Impact Fund and establish a National Gambling Exclusion Register.

In the lead-up to this significant development, industry stakeholders expressed concerns regarding certain aspects of the bill. The Irish Bookmakers Association (IBA) had previously communicated with Gambling Insider in May about potential “unintended consequences” stemming from the draft legislation.

Wider industry apprehensions have also emerged regarding issues such as stake and win limits, advertising restrictions, combating the black market, and limitations on inducements. Observers have noted the effects these measures have had in other countries and the potential implications for Ireland.

In light of the bill's passage, a spokesperson for Flutter UKI stated: “As a long-time advocate for regulation in Ireland, we welcome the new Gambling Regulation Bill but remain apprehensive about several unintended consequences.

“While we endorse many elements of the new legislation, we are concerned that its current formulation may adversely affect the future of horse racing in Ireland and could drive more players towards the unlicensed and unregulated black market.

 “Nonetheless, we are eager to collaborate closely with the new Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland to enhance standards throughout the industry.”