Diverging from the approach adopted by the UK, the Irish government has decisively ruled out the implementation of highly-controversial affordability checks for gambling customers who lose more than £100 (approxmately $130) per month. The recently announced decision reflects the Irish government’s concerns about the potential intrusion into individuals’ privacy as well as the financial well-being of vulnerable individuals.

In the UK, the proposed affordability checks involve bookmakers assessing customers' financial capacity to make them gamble responsibly. The checks involve scrutinization of gamblers’ income, expenses, and their gambling habits. While supporters argue that such checks could effectively curb problem gambling, critics have warned that such measures could be highly intrusive in nature. Moreover, such measures could potentially worsen financial hardship among low-income individuals.

James Browne, Irish Minister for Gambling Regulation, highlighted the aforementioned concerns in a recent interview, stating that affordability checks would be very intrusive and could stigmatize individuals with gambling problems. Emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach, he suggested that gambling addiction should be addressed without compromising individual privacy.

When asked for a comment, Browne said “My understanding is anecdotally that it is having a massive impact on the horse racing over in the United Kingdom in terms of people participating. We’re not doing that here because I think (and others agree) that affordability checks are quite personally invasive in the people who are gambling.”

Browne acknowledged the impact of affordability checks in the UK, particularly on horse racing participation, and emphasized that the Irish government decided to opt for a different strategy. Instead of affordability checks, Ireland is considering legislation to ban gambling advertising on TV and online from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The legislation, if approved and implemented, would also eliminate promotional offers like free bets, strengthening support services for those dealing with gambling problems.

Meanwhile, the horse racing industry in Ireland has expressed its concerns about the potential impact of the proposed legislation, particularly the ban on advertising. Industry experts are of the view that such a measure could lead to erosion of revenue and loss of jobs. However, Deputy Prime Minister Micheál Martin reassured that the legislation wouldn’t result in job losses in the industry.

The Irish government's cautious approach to gambling regulation reflects its commitment to individual privacy while ensuring the financial security of vulnerable individuals amid increasing cases of problem gambling.