The Oireachtas must approve and authorize the Gambling Regulation Bill (GRB) as speculation grows that Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin will call for a General Election.
The GRB has been under review for two years in the Dáil and Seanad, after being introduced by the Tri-coalition government of Ireland. It was approved in November 2022 and is seen as a key piece of legislation for the coalition formed by Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and the Green Party.
There is mounting pressure on the Oireachtas to complete its committee stage reviews and move the GRB forward for signature by President Michael D. Higgins, making it law.
Revised over an 11-year period, the GRB is designed to modernize Ireland’s outdated gambling laws, replacing the nearly 100-year-old Betting Act of 1931. The bill will create the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRA), which will oversee gambling activities and set standards for the industry, led by Anne Marie Caulfield.
After two years of review, the Oireachtas has agreed on key provisions of the GRB, including the removal of exemptions for gambling licenses, stronger AML protections, and the establishment of a ‘Social Impact Fund’ to address gambling addiction and reduce harm.
The GRA will be able to impose penalties of up to €20 million or 10% of annual turnover for violations of the GRB’s regulations.
Ireland will also introduce a new advertising code, with stricter controls on gambling ads, particularly to protect vulnerable groups and young audiences. A significant change will be a 9pm watershed, preventing gambling ads from being broadcast before that time.
Some issues remain unresolved, including regulations on gambling incentives like free bets. Ministers have raised concerns about the impact of promotions on vulnerable individuals and the risk of relapse for recovering addicts.
As the GRB moves into its final stages, pressure is building on Harris and Martin to settle on a date for the next General Election. They are weighing two main options: holding the election in November 2024 or delaying it until February or March 2025. Although there’s talk of allowing the government to serve its full term until 2025, many expect an earlier election.
A decision to dissolve the Dáil and call an election will require support from the divided coalition. While Harris holds the power to request the Dáil’s dissolution, Martin’s influence as leader of Fianna Fáil will be crucial in determining the timing.
Coalition dynamics make it unlikely that Harris would act without Fianna Fáil’s backing, as failing to pass key legislation could weaken any momentum ahead of an election. Both parties will compete for many of the same voters, making this a delicate situation.
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael both want to increase their ministerial representation in the Oireachtas. Key legislative battles over the Planning Bill, Finance Bill, and a new Social Welfare Bill await, making control of the Oireachtas vital for both parties.
Fine Gael’s recent surge in the polls has led some in Fianna Fáil to hesitate about an autumn election, with Harris favouring a wait until early 2025, when conditions may be more favourable for his party.
Despite the political manoeuvring, passing the GRB is a priority for the Tri-coalition government, allowing them to showcase a major achievement to voters.
