Compliance Updates
Northern Ireland Launches Consultation on New Gambling Laws

The Department for Communities (DfC) in Northern Ireland has launched a public consultation on the new gambling laws.
DfC said it is seeking views on “whether changes are now necessary to ensure Northern Ireland has a more flexible and modern licensing framework capable of responding to the many societal and technical changes which have occurred in the industry.”
The consultation, which is open to views until February 21, 2020, addresses a wide range of issues, from the categorisation of gaming machines, the regulation of remote gambling, rules on gambling advertising and the law on promotional prize competitions and draws.
“With the existing legislation dating back to 1985, it really fails to address the social and technological realities of gambling in 2020. Reform is long overdue, and this renewed consultation exercise is an important first step in reframing Northern Ireland’s laws covering a diverse range of areas such as gambling, gaming, lotteries, prize competitions and advertising,” gambling law expert James Griffiths said.
“I know that the gambling industry is an important employer in Northern Ireland and that gambling is an activity which is enjoyed responsibly by a large number of people. However, it is very important to recognise that for some people, gambling has the potential to cause considerable harm. Any future changes to the law must balance the interests of the gambling industry with the need for regulation to protect vulnerable people,” Tracy Meharg, permanent secretary of DfC, said.
“There is no doubt that the current legislation is outdated and has not kept pace with industry and technological changes. This consultation will allow everyone with an interest in gambling to share their views on the current legislation and will put the department in a position to offer the best advice to an incoming minister on the future regulatory framework,” Meharg said.
-
Africa5 days ago
Dr. Gloria Herndon Prepares Launch of Charitable Casino Platform in Kenya, with A License Secured
-
Interviews5 days ago
Inside the Matrix: A Conversation with EveryMatrix Founders on Europe, Expansion, and Staying Hands-On
-
Compliance Updates5 days ago
WTA and ITF Publish Season-wide Online Abuse and Threat Report
-
Industry Awards5 days ago
Kaizen Gaming’s Betano Recognised as Brand of the Year at the EGR Marketing & Innovation Awards 2025
-
Industry News5 days ago
SOFTSWISS Takes Home Four Awards In One Night
-
Latest News5 days ago
Logifuture appoints Khoren Kalashyan to accelerate global rollout of flagship virtual products
-
Africa4 days ago
pawaTech strengthens its integrity commitment with membership of the International Betting Integrity Association
-
Baltics4 days ago
Estonian start-up vows to revolutionise iGaming customer support with AI