15/02/2022
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.
Minister Hargey said: "Overhauling our gambling legislation is something that I believe is very important and I was determined to deliver change during my time as Communities Minister. This Bill is proposing the first substantial changes to gambling law here in nearly 40 years and I am pleased I have been able to get it to this stage. It is the first stage of reform.
"I also wanted to use the opportunity this Bill provides to support the efforts of local charities, sports clubs and other voluntary groups to raise more money for good causes in our community."
The Bill will have its Consideration Stage where the Assembly will have an opportunity to vote on amendments to the Bill which was introduced by the Minister on 27 September last year.
This Bill will deliver tangible changes in around 14 key areas of premises-based gambling, including improving protection for children and young people and the creation of enabling powers to allow for industry Codes of Practice to be introduced alongside an industry levy. The levy, in particular, opens up the possibility of more funding in the future to help those affected by, or at risk of, gambling related harm.
The Minister was keen to emphasise that she saw this Bill as marking a beginning of much needed wider reforms.
The Minister continued: "In my view, the current Bill should be regarded as a start, not as an end. When I originally announced my plans to reform our gambling laws last May, I proposed a two-phased approach. This Bill represents the first of those two phases.
"Much more work will need to be done in the next phase."
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.
Minister Hargey said: "Overhauling our gambling legislation is something that I believe is very important and I was determined to deliver change during my time as Communities Minister. This Bill is proposing the first substantial changes to gambling law here in nearly 40 years and I am pleased I have been able to get it to this stage. It is the first stage of reform.
"I also wanted to use the opportunity this Bill provides to support the efforts of local charities, sports clubs and other voluntary groups to raise more money for good causes in our community."
The Bill will have its Consideration Stage where the Assembly will have an opportunity to vote on amendments to the Bill which was introduced by the Minister on 27 September last year.
This Bill will deliver tangible changes in around 14 key areas of premises-based gambling, including improving protection for children and young people and the creation of enabling powers to allow for industry Codes of Practice to be introduced alongside an industry levy. The levy, in particular, opens up the possibility of more funding in the future to help those affected by, or at risk of, gambling related harm.
The Minister was keen to emphasise that she saw this Bill as marking a beginning of much needed wider reforms.
The Minister continued: "In my view, the current Bill should be regarded as a start, not as an end. When I originally announced my plans to reform our gambling laws last May, I proposed a two-phased approach. This Bill represents the first of those two phases.
"Much more work will need to be done in the next phase."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 June 2024
Available Player Protection Measures in Northern Ireland
The iGaming sector has become increasingly popular in recent years, which raised the need for more comprehensive industry regulations. Many countries have already accepted appropriate legislation and initiated specific authorities controlling casinos' compliance with the existing requirements.
Available Player Protection Measures in Northern Ireland
The iGaming sector has become increasingly popular in recent years, which raised the need for more comprehensive industry regulations. Many countries have already accepted appropriate legislation and initiated specific authorities controlling casinos' compliance with the existing requirements.
09 August 2024
Enhancing Transparency and Accountability: UK Gambling Commission's New Quarterly Reporting Requirements
In the United Kingdom, gambling enthusiasts have the opportunity to engage in their favourite pastime through both in-person and online avenues. Brick-and-mortar casinos across the country offer a traditional and immersive gambling experience, allowing patrons to wager on various games of chance in a physical setting.
Enhancing Transparency and Accountability: UK Gambling Commission's New Quarterly Reporting Requirements
In the United Kingdom, gambling enthusiasts have the opportunity to engage in their favourite pastime through both in-person and online avenues. Brick-and-mortar casinos across the country offer a traditional and immersive gambling experience, allowing patrons to wager on various games of chance in a physical setting.
08 March 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.
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.
08 March 2024
Reasons NI Gambling Laws Are 'A Bit Different'
The four countries that make up the UK are self-governing, meaning they could have their unique gambling laws and regulations. However, while Wales and Scotland's gambling laws mostly align with those of England, there are some glaring differences between Northern Ireland's and the rest of the UK.
Reasons NI Gambling Laws Are 'A Bit Different'
The four countries that make up the UK are self-governing, meaning they could have their unique gambling laws and regulations. However, while Wales and Scotland's gambling laws mostly align with those of England, there are some glaring differences between Northern Ireland's and the rest of the UK.
28 April 2025
Fighting Gambling Ads With Psychology: UK Study's Innovative Approach
A new UK study suggests that individuals can be psychologically trained to resist the influence of gambling advertisements. Conducted by Swansea University, the study involved 1,200 participants and examined how understanding marketing tactics could foster long-term skepticism toward gambling products.
Fighting Gambling Ads With Psychology: UK Study's Innovative Approach
A new UK study suggests that individuals can be psychologically trained to resist the influence of gambling advertisements. Conducted by Swansea University, the study involved 1,200 participants and examined how understanding marketing tactics could foster long-term skepticism toward gambling products.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
