NI's Gambling Laws Set For 'Most Substantial Change' In 40 Years

Northern Ireland's gambling laws are set to undergo the "most substantial changes" in almost 40 years, as new legislative reforms move to the Final Stage in the Assembly.

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey introduced the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Amendment) Bill as a first step in a two-phased approach to reforming the regulation of gambling in NI.

Welcoming the progress of the legislation, Minister Hargey said: "Today sees the Bill complete its legislative passage through the Assembly. It will improve protection for children and young people through the creation of a new offence of inviting, causing or permitting a young person under 18 years to play a high stakes gaming machine. It provides the creation of enabling powers to allow for a levy to be imposed on the industry as well as Codes of Practice.

"The Bill also provides increased opportunities for local charities, sports clubs and other voluntary groups to raise more money for good causes by increasing the maximum ticket price and simplifying the rules around deduction of expenses that apply to societies' lotteries."

The Minister emphasised that she saw this Bill as laying the ground work for much needed wider reforms in the next mandate which will include a new comprehensive legislative framework capable of regulating the online gambling industry wherever it is based and above all putting consumer safety at its heart.

Minister Hargey concluded: "Every journey starts with the first step, and this Bill is the first step in a huge programme of reform of the gambling industry here, with more change to come in the next phase."