Ireland Gambling Bill: What It Means for Players

Ireland has made a major move in the gambling industry by passing a groundbreaking bill that reshapes the country's entire regulatory framework. The Gambling Regulation Bill 2022, passed on October 16, introduces a modernised system aimed at governing both land-based and online gambling activities.

Minister of State for Law Reform, James Browne TD, expressed his satisfaction with the bill's passage, highlighting how it addresses key issues in today's gambling environment, including the rise of digital gambling and the need for stronger advertising regulations.

Key Highlights of the New Bill

One of the major outcomes of the bill is the creation of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann). This authority will oversee the industry, enforcing the new regulations that aim to strike a balance between allowing gambling while protecting consumers, particularly young people, from its harms.

The bill also includes the establishment of a Social Impact Fund, which will focus on raising awareness of problem gambling and providing resources to address gambling-related harms. Additionally, the new law targets the black market, which continues to pose a significant threat by attracting Irish residents away from regulated operators.

Anne Marie Caulfield, the newly appointed CEO Designate of the Gambling Regulatory Authority, has outlined the initial focus on licensing operators to ensure they comply with the updated legislation. The regulator has been granted a €9.1 million budget for 2025 to help carry out its responsibilities, with a particular focus on safeguarding against problem gambling.

RTP Standards: A Key Issue for Players

The passage of this bill is undoubtedly a step forward for Ireland's gambling industry, but what about the players? A critical aspect that will determine how much players can truly benefit is the minimum Return to Player (RTP) rates set by licensed casinos.

If the minimum RTP is set at 96%, then Irish players have every reason to celebrate, as this ensures fairer chances of winning and a more balanced gambling environment. A higher RTP means that, on average, players stand a better chance of winning back some of the money they gamble.

However, if the minimum RTP is as low as 80%, players might find themselves in a "club" where winning feels nearly impossible. With such low RTPs, the odds are stacked heavily against the player, and casinos will likely profit at the expense of their customers. In this scenario, players would need to be extremely cautious about where they place their bets, as it could feel like the house always wins.

As Ireland rolls out these new regulations, it will be crucial for players to stay informed about the RTP standards that licensed casinos must follow. After all, those percentages can make all the difference between a fair chance at a win and a frustrating, never-ending losing streak.