
The Northern Ireland Assembly has approved new legislation to align local gambling regulations with Great Britain’s standards, though concerns still remain over gaps in consumer protection.
The reforms will permit higher stakes and prizes while introducing safeguards for vulnerable groups.
Gordon Lyons, the Communities Minister, outlined key protective measures, including a new offense for granting underage access to high-stakes gaming machines and a £2 ($2.48) cap on fixed-odds betting terminal stakes. He also emphasized ongoing initiatives to tackle online gambling issues and establish a levy system for land-based operators.
TUV MLA Timothy Gaston criticized the timing of the gambling liberalization, citing Northern Ireland’s historically higher problem gambling rates – five times that of England. He raised concerns over the lack of equivalent protections to Great Britain, including the forthcoming Gambling Levy on 5 April, expected to generate £100m annually for harm reduction.
This follows the Assembly’s approval of a cross-party motion advocating a health-led approach to gambling addiction services. Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan stressed the importance of integrated support systems and recognizing gambling harm as a public health issue.