Northern Ireland targets “flexible and modern” gambling law with new consultation
Government looks to bring “outdated” NI online gambling legislation in line with rest of UK
The government of Northern Ireland has launched a consultation that could bring the country’s online gambling laws in line with the rest of the UK.
The three-month consultation ending in February 2020 will assess whether changes are necessary to ensure Northern Ireland has a more flexible and modern licensing framework.
The framework hopes to establish whether specific licensing and regulatory measures for remote gambling operators should be introduced, and what those measures should be.
At present, gambling in Northern Ireland is regulated under The Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Northern Ireland) Order 1985. Much of this law is modelled on the British 1968 Gaming Act, which was superseded by the 2005 UK Gambling Act.
Northern Irish courts and district councils licence gambling activities at present, while the Department for Communities (DfC) grants on-course betting licences. The responsibility for regulating and enforcing gambling law lies with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
Online gambling is not currently licensed or regulated in Northern Ireland, but this consultation will consider the regulation of remote gambling and consumer protection.
The consultation proposes similar legislation to the 2005 UK Gambling Act and the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act 2014, bringing Northern Ireland in line with the rest of the UK.
In the 2016 Northern Ireland Gambling Prevalence Survey, 15.8% of respondents claimed they had gambled online, more than double those responding to the same survey in 2010. At present, many online operators target Northern Ireland from the UK, Malta and other jurisdictions.
Speaking about the consultation, DfC permanent secretary Tracy Meharg said the consultation would allow all interested stakeholders the chance to shape the future regulatory framework, once the new Northern Ireland assembly convenes.
Meharg acknowledged gambling as an important employer in Northern Ireland, but urged that any changes be made with a view to balancing industry interests with protection of the vulnerable.
“There is no doubt that the current legislation is outdated and has not kept pace with industry and technological changes,” said Meharg.
“I would encourage all those with an interest in Northern Ireland gambling law to take the opportunity to contribute to this consultation,” she added.