Northern Ireland’s Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie has initiated a review of Northern Ireland’s gambling laws. There are several issues that Richie intends to have addressed, as she believes that the current laws are complicated, outdated and “inflexible”: Stating that they were “not robust enough to deal with modern gambling”.
The current laws were enforced 24yrs ago, in 1985. Therefore, it would be prudent to assume, they are not equipped to deal with the new ways of gambling. And, back then, when our mobile phones were the size of a suitcase, who could have envisioned the technological advancements, and array of new ways to gamble, we would have at our disposal today.
The Sunday gambling laws are expected to be reviewed. It may be, that for the first time ever, Bingo will be available on a Sunday, in Northern Ireland. Fees associated, with gaining a gaming license, also look set for change. No doubt! It is also expected that TV advertising laws will be reassessed. At the moment, Bingo operators cannot air their adverts on Northern Irish TV. The Advertising Standards association have played a major part, with regards to enforcing advertising laws in the UK. If companies are allowed to go ahead, and advertise on Northern Irish TV Channels, the systems to enforce the new laws will also need to be reviewed.
According to Ritchie, “There is currently little hard evidence available on which to develop policy”. Which is why she feels, there’s a big need for some “well informed debate” first. Insisting, her priority is to “ find out local people’s attitudes to gambling; the size and shape of the gambling market; and the wider economic and social impacts of gambling”. The promotion of ‘sensible gambling’, and the protection of vulnerable, and young people, is a major issue. Richie plans to phase in the new laws, after all the necessary information has been gathered, and a report has been produced for the Irish Minister. We all eagerly await the outcome, but none more-so, than the Bingo operators…
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