As the Oireachtas continues to deliberate on the Government’s Gambling Regulation Bill, significant concerns have been raised about the potential impact of proposed stake and win limits that could severely affect the casino industry, both online casinos and land-based destinations.

Industry insiders, including prominent casino executives, argue that these measures could drive customers toward unregulated and potentially dangerous betting environments. 

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A report in the Daily Mail in March 2024 focused on the rise of black market betting at Cheltenham Festival. The report cited figures from a United Nations report from their Office on Drugs and Crime, which estimated that £1.32 trillion was bet on sport illegally across the world in 2020. 

The newspaper also reported that ‘analysis conducted for Mail Sport by online intelligence company Yield Sec put the size of the entire illegal global market, including gaming and casinos, at almost £4 trillion last year. 

The paper quoted Yield Sec chief executive, Ismail Vali, who said, “If illegal gambling was a nation-state, it would be the world's third largest economy after the USA and China.” 

Critics of Proposal Claim Legislation Are Discriminatory

The proposed legislation aims to impose strict limits on bets placed on gaming machines, live table games such as blackjack and roulette, and lotteries, capping bets at €10 and winnings at €3,000. 

Critics, however, point out that these limits appear discriminatory against casinos, as they do not extend to sports betting or the National Lottery—sectors governed by different regulations.  

Debbie Quirke, CEO of the Carlton Entertainment Group, which operates the Carlton Casino on Dublin's O’Connell Street, expresses support for the overarching goals of the Bill, aimed at curbing problem gambling. However, she argues that the specific restrictions on casino betting are misguided and disproportionate. 

Quirke highlights that a recent Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) study indicates a significant portion of problem gambling arises from online slot machines and casino games, whereas in-person gambling engagement drops to zero percent among problem gamblers. 

Quirke asserts that the legislation overlooks the realities of the gambling landscape, noting that trained staff at Carlton Casino actively monitor and support customers who may be struggling with gambling issues. 

She stresses that her business has implemented measures to refer individuals for treatment and enforce self-exclusion requests, which further underlines the commitment to responsible gambling practices within regulated environments. 

Restrictions Creating Trend Towards Online Unregulated Gambling Platforms 

According to Quirke, the proposed restrictions could escalate a trend where more individuals turn to online gambling platforms and unlicensed operators, which not only lack protective measures but could also fund criminal enterprises.  

Quirke told the Irish Times: “This move doesn’t just affect businesses like ours; it pushes consumers into riskier situations. 

“The government needs to reevaluate these restrictions.” added Quirke.

Despite her efforts to communicate these concerns to Minister for Justice Helen McEntee and her colleague, Minister of State James Browne, Quirke feels that there has been insufficient dialogue between policymakers and smaller industry players. Although larger operators like the Irish Bookmakers Association and Flutter.

Entertainment has engaged with policymakers; Quirke believes that the nuances of smaller businesses are being overlooked amid discussions focused on major industry stakeholders.  

Regulatory Body Can Modify Betting Limits with Minister’s Approval 

The Department of Justice has stated that the new Gambling Regulatory Authority established under the Bill can modify betting limits with the Minister's approval. Officials argue that these proposed limits are not new but rather an extension of provisions laid out in the Gaming and Lotteries Act of 1956, which was previously updated in 2019. 

The new legislation also introduces stringent penalties for unlicensed operators, including significant custodial sentences for violations, reinforcing the government’s commitment to curbing illegal gambling activities.  

Changes in Regulations Threaten the Viability of the Casino Industry  

While Quirke acknowledges that the casino industry is in dire need of proper regulation, she maintains that the proposed win and stake limits are fundamentally flawed. In her view, these regulations threaten not only the viability of casino businesses but also the well-being of consumers by pushing gambling activities into less regulated spaces where the risk of harm is significantly heightened.   

Why Are Industry Regulations Important? 

iGaming, or online gambling, encompasses various activities such as online casinos, sports betting, and poker. Understanding and adhering to iGaming regulations is crucial for businesses and players within the European Union (EU) due to the diverse legal landscape. 

Understanding and complying with iGaming regulations is not just a legal obligation; it is fundamental to ensuring a safe and fair experience for all stakeholders in the online gambling industry.