BoyleSports chief airs concerns new gambling bill could result in black market betting boom

BoyleSports have voiced concerns about the incoming Gambling Regulation Bill to be enacted in Ireland due to its potential to "deliver considerable unintended consequences" and drive punters towards the black market.

The bill, which imposes strict restrictions on bookmakers' ability to offer inducements and legislates for a daytime gambling advertising watershed that threatens the viability of Racing TV's operations in Ireland, passed the final step of the legislative process in the Dail last week and will be signed into law imminently by the president.

BoyleSports chief executive Vlad Kaltenieks believes the bill has the potential to make the black market seem a more attractive option to responsible and problem gamblers.

He also criticised the maximum limit of €10 stake and €3,000 win on online gaming set to be introduced, asserting that this should be a matter for the newly formed Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) rather than explicitly provided for in the legislation.

He said: "BoyleSports have been, and remain, avid supporters of the Gambling Regulation Bill and its ambition to protect children and the vulnerable, while establishing a strong regulatory framework for the sector.

"However, we remain concerned that there is a risk with how the bill has been written to deliver considerable unintended consequences that could serve to push both the vulnerable and responsible gamblers to unlicensed operators and unregulated markets, undermining the core ambition of the bill.

"Decisions relating to issues like setting maximum stakes should rest with the GRAI and should not be provided for in primary legislation. BoyleSports hope that the CEO designate of the GRAI, Anne Marie Caulfield, will address the sector's concerns throughout the enactment period of the bill."

Under section 157 of the bill, bookmakers' ability to offer inducements will be significantly curtailed unless such offers are available to the public and the minister, in consultation with the GRAI, has the power to impose further restrictions and "prohibit the offering by licensees of an inducement or a class of inducements".

Last week, Flutter, the parent company of Sky Bet, Paddy Power and Betfair, also revealed concerns regarding a potential black market boom as a result of the bill.

Having been first presented to the Dail in December 2022, the bill completed the legislative steps in the lower house in May. Once the Seanad (upper house) returned from summer recess, it moved rapidly through the required stages, completing the report stage on October 8 before being passed in its final form in the Dail last Wednesday.

The legislation was believed to be a priority of the current government to be completed before an impending general election, which, according to reports, will take place at the end of November.

Read these:

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Racing TV left 'dismayed' as passing of gambling bill leaves broadcaster's future in Ireland in doubt 

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