Northern Ireland Halts Gambling Reform Discussions

After previously indicating potential major changes to its gambling sector, Northern Ireland's Assembly will not pursue a review of its gambling laws.This is despite bipartisan demands for swift action and comes as the political situation in the United Kingdom continues to face difficulties.

In the wake of Thursday’s General Election, Northern Ireland's new Assembly was formed, with Sinn Féin emerging as the largest party at Stormont. Though Sinn Féin did not secure any seats in the House of Commons, the election resulted in more diverse representation at Westminster. The new Assembly now comprises six parties and one independent member, representing the 18 constituencies of the devolved region.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons informed the Members of the Legislative Assembly:

“After careful consideration, I have determined that it would be impossible for a bill of the necessary magnitude and complexity to be drafted and successfully navigate all Assembly scrutiny and legislative processes within the current mandate.

For this reason, I have chosen not to advance a Gambling Bill during this mandate.”

Stormont began consultations to reform gambling laws under the 1985 Order on Betting, Gaming, Lotteries, and Amusements in 2019. However, despite an increase in online gambling, it currently does not address the market. Despite the outdated nature of Northern Ireland's gambling regulations, there has been no significant progress in initiating a new regulatory framework or amending existing laws to enhance protections.

Yesterday, the Department for Communities (DfC) responded to a legislative query regarding gambling, stating that a new Gambling Bill is unlikely to feature on the Assembly’s agenda. DfC Minister Gordon Lyons reiterated,

“Drafting and passing a bill of the necessary scope and complexity within the current mandate is unfeasible.”

Stormont’s All-Party Group (APG) on reducing gambling-related harms has called for a comprehensive overhaul of Northern Ireland’s gambling laws, proposing nearly 60 recommendations, including:

• Recognizing problem gambling as a public health issue.

• Appointing an independent regulator for gambling activities.

• Banning TV gambling advertisements between 5:30 am and 9:00 pm.

Advocates’ main concerns include:

• Lack of resources for authorities to properly assess the impact of problem gambling.

• Limited progress compared to the UK mainland and other countries.

• Inadequate oversight and support for responsible gambling initiatives.

Calls for reform highlight the need for:

• A comprehensive legal framework that reflects modern gambling realities.

• Stronger consumer protection measures.

• Government prioritization of gambling reform in future Assembly mandates.

Northern Ireland remains one of the few regions in the UK without a dedicated gambling regulator or up-to-date legislation, leaving advocates and experts urging renewed political focus on this pressing social issue.