Talks Continue in Ireland on Betting Advert Hour Restrictions

The Irish government has said it is ready to put the planned strict hour restrictions on betting adverts into effect as soon as possible. A government spokesperson told Racing Post that no firm commitment can be made on a date for the advert time restrictions, but that talks on this between government departments are actively continuing.

According to the spokesperson, the advertising provisions of the 2024 Act have not yet come into force. Work is ongoing between the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and the Office of the Attorney General to bring various provisions of the law into effect. However, no timeline can currently be given for the provisions on advertising.

The idea of strictly limiting betting adverts first came up in the 2024 Gambling Regulation Act. The same law also established the regulator, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). The regulator is gradually working to expand the re-regulated gambling market. As part of this, in July, remote operators were allowed to enter the country with newly obtained licences.

Possible prison sentences for people who turn a blind eye to or facilitate underage gambling, along with additional protections for player payments, are already in place. By contrast, the hour limit planned for betting adverts has not yet been announced by Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan. According to the plans, adverts would be banned between 05:30 and 21:00.

The spokesperson said the law is based on the aim of protecting public health. It said the law specifically aims to protect children, young people and vulnerable individuals from the harms of gambling. The spokesperson added that the protective measures depend on GRAI issuing licences, and that the minister supports bringing them into force as soon as possible.