Ireland not welcome 'massively intrusive' gambling affordability checks
Unlike the UK approach, the Irish government has ruled out introducing "affordability checks" for gambling customers who lose more than £100 ($127) a month. The decision comes amid growing concerns about the potential impact of such controls on personal privacy and the financial well-being of vulnerable people.
Affordability tests, such as those proposed by the UK government, would require bookmakers to assess their customers' financial ability to gamble responsibly. This will include a review of their income, expenses and gambling habits.
While supporters of the measure argue it can be effective in curbing problem gambling, critics have expressed concerns about its intrusiveness. They also highlighted the potential for worsening economic hardship among low-income people.
The measure is being taken in the UK to reduce gambling addiction, which authorities say has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. This is despite evidence that the country’s problem gambling rates have stabilized at 0.02% in recent years.
Browne gives clear advice on affordability checks
Speaking to The Sun, Ireland's Gambling Regulation Minister James Brown reiterated these concerns, saying affordability checks were "too intrusive" and "could stigmatize people with gambling problems". He stressed the need for a balanced approach to combat gambling addiction without invading personal privacy or increasing financial burdens.
As far as I know [it] has had a huge impact on British horse racing in terms of attendances,"Brown said."We don't do it here because I think (and others agree) it's a burden Ability checks can be quite personally invasive for gamblers. "
Instead of an affordability test, the Irish government is adopting a different strategy to combat gambling addiction. The Draft Bill currently under consideration seeks to ban gambling advertising from 5:30am to 9:00pm on TV and online. It will also remove promotional offers such as free bets and strengthen support services for those struggling with gambling problems.
The Irish horseracing industry has expressed "concerns" about the potential impact of the government's gambling legislation. Industry insiders are concerned that an advertising ban, particularly on dedicated horse racing channels, could undermine their revenue streams and ultimately lead to reduced coverage of horse racing in Ireland.
Don’t worry at all
Deputy Prime Minister Michael Martin sought to allay these concerns by assuring that the ban "will not lead to job losses in the industry". However, two well-known horse racing channels "Racing TV" and "Sky Sports Racing" have different views.
Both companies have warned that the legislation could severely limit their operations in Ireland due to reduced advertising revenue. That's why they're trying to get Brown to give them more leeway on broadcast licenses.
Responding to these concerns, Brown claimed that granting exemptions to certain broadcasters would result in them gaining an unfair monopoly on gambling advertising in the country. He reiterated the Government's commitment to finding a balance between curbing gambling addiction and maintaining the financial viability of the racing industry.
The Irish government’s approach to gambling regulation reflects a cautious stance that prioritizes personal privacy and the financial security of vulnerable groups. At the same time, it addresses growing global concerns about problem gambling.
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Source: www.casino.org
