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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
