SBC News NI Communities Minister calls for Mandatory Code of Practice on gambling venues 

NI Communities Minister calls for Mandatory Code of Practice on gambling venues 

Northern Ireland Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has urged Stormont Assembly ministers to support amendments introduced to the “1985 – Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Amendment) Bill”. 

Hargey has been charged with leading the overhaul of Northern Ireland’s gambling laws, which have remained unchanged for the past 35-years.

This September, Northern Ireland’s assembly approved Hargey’s ‘first phase amendments’ required to update the territory’s land-based gambling laws and consumer protections.

The first phase of amendments will update laws related to operating gambling premises, improving the protection of under-18s, as well as certain relaxations on licensed venue’s operating hours.  Key changes include: 

  • New penalties in relation to allowing children to play-or-enter gambling venues
  • To establish a ‘mandatory code of practice’ for those holding gambling licenses
  • To broaden the definition of cheating by making gambling contracts enforceable by NI laws
  • Remove some restrictions on promotional prize competitions; and
  • Permit Bookmakers and Bingo clubs to open on Sundays and Good Friday

Once adopted, Hargey stated that the amendments will allow NI ministers to introduce a statutory levy on the gambling sector to fund the territory’s safer gambling initiatives.

Supporting upcoming changes, Hargey has launched a ‘focused consultation’ to define the requirements of the mandatory code of practice that will be imposed on gambling venues.

Hargey confirmed that requirements within the Code will include – a ban on credit card transactions and reverse withdrawals, venue requirements on underage verification and tighter controls FOBTs.

“I am planning to make compliance with the Code a condition of the licence,” Hargey commented.

“I am determined to drive up standards in the industry and make operators take greater responsibility for the harm caused to some customers.”

 

Check Also

SBC News Adam Day of Bayes Esports on the customer journey & heightening esports turnover

Adam Day of Bayes Esports on the customer journey & heightening esports turnover

Adam Day, Senior Director, Commercials & Head of Sales at Bayes Esports, talks to SBC …

SBC News Twenty First Group partner with Abelson to offer player props from data originated for clubs

Twenty First Group partner with Abelson to offer player props from data originated for clubs

In conversation with SBC News, Dan Zelezinski, Chief Commercial Officer, Twenty First Group, builds on …

SBC News Stats Perform: innovations to heighten entertainment & drive confidence

Stats Perform: innovations to heighten entertainment & drive confidence

The industry once again stands poised to take in a wave of fresh products and …