Shake-up for Irish gambling sector as government approves publication of bill

Ireland's gambling industry practices are set for a significant shake-up after the government on Tuesday approved the publication of the long-awaited Gambling Regulation Bill.

The bill, which paves the way for the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland to be established in 2023, prohibits betting advertisements being shown between 5.30am and 9pm and will ban such promotions on social media platforms unless users opt in to receive gambling content.

Limits on staking remain at the discretion of punters, but inducements and promotions such as free bets will no longer be offered by bookmakers.