Conor Grant, chief executive of Flutter UK & Ireland, welcomes the Irish Government’s commitment to regulate online gambling in Ireland. However, he believes that operators must take additional measures themselves. Recognizing the technological advancements in gambling over the past two decades, Grant acknowledges the profound impact of smartphones, social media, and on-demand streaming. Understanding the complexity and time required for legislation, Flutter has decided to implement several measures to enhance safer gambling policies in Ireland, even before the legislation comes into effect.
Starting from early April, Flutter’s brands, including Paddy Power, Betfair, and Sky Bet, will stop accepting credit cards for transactions online or in Paddy Power retail shops. Furthermore, from 1 May, Flutter brands will not advertise during live sports before the 9 pm watershed, except for horse and greyhound racing. Additionally, by 2023, the operator will invest 1% of net gaming revenue from Irish customers, which is expected to be approximately €3m, into research, education, and treatment of problem gambling. These funds will be allocated to Ireland’s Gambling Awareness Trust and other emerging initiatives across the country. Flutter already contributes €450,000 to the Gambling Awareness Trust.
Last week, Ireland’s Labour Party introduced a bill to ban all non-sponsorship gambling advertising in the country. The party aims to separate the gambling industry from the everyday enjoyment of sports and entertainment.
