Flutter Entertainment, one of the leading gambling companies in the world, has expressed concerns about certain aspects of Ireland’s proposed Gambling Regulation Bill. The bill, which aims to regulate the gambling industry in the country and provide greater protection for consumers, has been met with mixed reactions from various stakeholders.
One of the main concerns raised by Flutter Entertainment is the proposed introduction of a €10 stake limit on online slot machine games. The company argues that this limit could have a significant impact on revenue and could potentially drive customers to unlicensed operators. According to Flutter, online slot machine games are a popular and profitable form of gambling, and imposing such a strict limit could negatively impact the industry.
Another issue that Flutter has raised concerns about is the proposed ban on gambling advertising during live sporting events. The company argues that advertising is essential for promoting responsible gambling practices and reaching customers who may be in need of support. Banning advertising during live sporting events could limit the ability of gambling companies to educate consumers about responsible gambling practices and could also have a negative impact on revenue.
In addition, Flutter has raised concerns about the proposed restriction on credit card deposits for online gambling. The company argues that banning credit card deposits could drive customers to illegal black market operators who do not adhere to the same strict regulations as licensed operators. Flutter believes that a blanket ban on credit card deposits is not the most effective way to combat problem gambling and could have unintended consequences.
Despite these concerns, Flutter Entertainment has expressed a willingness to work with the Irish government to find a solution that balances consumer protection with the needs of the industry. The company has stated that it is committed to promoting responsible gambling practices and ensuring that its customers are protected from harm.
The Gambling Regulation Bill in Ireland is still in the early stages of development and is subject to change as it moves through the legislative process. It remains to be seen how the concerns raised by Flutter Entertainment and other stakeholders will be addressed in the final version of the bill.
Overall, the proposed Gambling Regulation Bill in Ireland has sparked a heated debate among industry stakeholders, with Flutter Entertainment voicing its concerns about certain aspects of the legislation. It is clear that finding a balance between consumer protection and industry needs will be a challenging task for lawmakers in the coming months.
