After recent calls for change from politicians, Irish bookmakers have agreed to an industry-wide ban on credit card payments and a whistle-to-whistle advertising ban for live sport.
The new restrictions have been introduced in the Irish Bookmakers’ Association‘s (IBA) updated code of practice for safer gambling, which sets out the industry’s commitments to player protection. IBA members include Entain, BoyleSports and Flutter Entertainment.
The credit card ban will cover both land-based and online gambling. Some bookmakers have already introduced the measure, while others need to make updates to their technology, which they must make before the end of the year.
The advertising ban will cover all live sport shown before the 9pm watershed apart from horse racing and greyhound racing. It will run from five minutes before the start of events until five minutes after, much like the BGC’s ban in the UK.
IBA chair Sharon Byrne said: “We recognize that there is a need for the industry to continue to develop the highest of standards for safer gambling. We believe in particular that the credit card bans and the ‘whistle-to-whistle’ advertising restrictions are significant steps on that path.
The minister of state for justice, James Browne, has pledged to introduce legislation to reform Irish gambling and create an “extremely powerful” gambling regulator by the end of the year.
No Copyright infringement intended. Video/Photo Unknown Direct for credits/issue or text us +57 3606412 ... | Respect to Photographers & Influencers.
