Lottoland has called on the Irish government to “re-engage with our sector” after a poll suggested a large portion of the public are against overly-strict gambling reforms.
The company’s vice president Mike Kirwan said that while it “recognises” the aim of the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 to establish “robust regulatory oversight and accountability” in the Irish industry, he said a Lottoland survey shows customers want a “sensible approach” implemented “without coming at the cost of individual’s ability to bet responsibly.”
A Lottoland survey said that three quarters of the Irish public are against the outright ban of betting in Ireland and that 19 per cent – almost one fifth – would seek alternative methods of gambling if the activity was restricted in Ireland.
The proposed bill, which is in the final legislative stage, would introduce an advertising ban throughout the day, a ban on inducements and maximum win limits of €3,000 for certain games.
Maximum bet limits of €10 for certain games are also proposed.
In addition, 74 per cent of those surveyed want fresh regulation imposed and 64 per cent believe people should be able to gamble responsibly, the Lottoland survey said.
Lottoland said: “Lottoland is urging Minister James Browne and the regulator designate to re-engage with industry experts and listen to their concerns.
“It is feared that the new laws suffer from an absence of clear and robust definitions, and if passed, would have a range of unintended consequences stemming from a range of legal issues.”
