How Does Betting Regulation Work In Northern Ireland?

Just like many other regions worldwide, Northern Ireland has a lot of people that enjoy gambling. However, since this type of experience can lead to abuse and financial losses, there's a constant need for regulation. That's why there are many different regulations and guidelines when it comes to betting in Northern Ireland.

How is betting regulated in Northern Ireland?

The thing to keep in mind when it comes to betting regulations in Northern Ireland is that it is quite similar to Ireland in some regards. For example, in Ireland the current betting regulation system is decades old, and quite obsolete, and while there are many licensed Irish bookmakers according to Betfree.ie, online casinos are not currently regulated. They are trying to implement a new one in the country, and there have been 2 years since its inception, with that system being finalised hopefully by the end of the year. With that in mind, Northern Ireland also has a rather obsolete system.

Gambling in Northern Ireland is regulated by the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements order from 1985. It was, however, amended by the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements Act in 2022. The important thing to note is that the legislation is regulating many betting experiences, like betting in bookmarking offices, but also on the tracks.

They also cover small scale amusements, gaming in various bingo clubs, using, supplying gaming machines and many others. The Department can issue track betting licenses as well. The amendment made in 2022 did manage to bring in some much-needed changes.

What changes were made by the 2022 amendment act?

What's important to note is that the 2022 Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements act amendment did manage to make some important changes to how Northern Ireland betting works. It was implemented starting with the 1st of October 2023. The amendment added 3 major provisions designed to improve the betting systems and provide more regulation for any betting companies.

• Section 7 is introducing a new offence around the idea of allowing people under the age of 18 to access a gaming machine. It still allows a lower limit machine, but allowing a minor access to gambling is not permitted. That covers permitting the minor to play, but also inviting them to play as well, it's also seen as an offence.

• Section 13 of the act also got revised, and it focuses on cheating. It became an offence to cheat in any form of gambling in Northern Ireland. And not only that, but if you assist or even enable someone to cheat in Norther Ireland, that's also seen as an offence.

• Lastly, with section 16, the Department, which is the statutory power when it comes to Northern Ireland gambling, they receive the power to issue a code of practice based on how gambling facilities are provided. It's very important to note that in Northern Ireland, the district councils and courts will be the ones licensing gambling activities. The Department will not handle those things, instead the courts will usually be the ones to do so. They will determine if there is any offence of the law, and they will take action, as necessary.

However, there is a separate entity that will enforce the law, should the courts find that something illegal is going on. The Police Service of Northern Ireland will be the one responsible for enforcing any of the gambling laws, should any issues arise.

Will the gambling law in Northern Ireland be revised in the near future?

The short answer is maybe. In 2021, the Minister for Communities shared a plan where they would have a 2-phase revision system for the current gambling law. That first phase was completed in 2022, with the introduction of the new amendment that would solve certain anomalies found in the 1985 order. With that in mind, the Assembly was dissolved in March 2022, so any progress was halted. But there were plans to create an entirely new, modern order for gambling in Northern Ireland. Now the only way that would happen is if the order comes from an Executive or Minister.

Is there any centralised gambling authority in Ireland?

Unlike other countries, Northern Ireland does not have any authority that enforces gambling standards or which provides any guidance. That's why it can be more difficult to enforce certain ideas. For example, engaging in chance-exchange betting is not allowed in Northern Ireland, but in various parts of the UK, that's legal.

On top of that, there are also other things here like being illegal to open a brick and mortar casino in Norther Ireland. Gambling activities in Northern Ireland have different rule sets to obey, and many times, there are certain difficulties when it comes to either creating a website in these niches, or even gambling as a regular player, depending on the situation.

What is the path forward for gambling in Northern Ireland?

Like Ireland, Northern Ireland also has a similar issue when it comes to the outdated gambling laws and the lack of a proper, dedicated gambling regulator. Updating the gambling laws and matching what the UK is doing gambling-wise is definitely a great idea. But overall, the main focus has to be on creating a great regulatory framework.

It's more important than ever to establish a gambling system and framework that will help maintain the integrity of this industry. At the same time, you also want a system that helps prioritise the consumer's protection and wellbeing. As we mentioned, creating a gambling regulator in Northern Ireland that's similar to the Gambling Commission in the UK is a very good option. That will help ensure compliance, enforce any rules, and help people dealing with addiction.

The path forward for the Northern Ireland gambling industry will certainly involve more regulation and assistance for those people that need it. Current laws are very old, and that's why it's more important than ever to update them, and also instil a governing body that will enforce those laws. Once that happens, it will be easier to prevent gambling addictions, scams and other similar challenges!