The main purposes of the 2019 Act is to:

• Streamline and modernise the application process for gaming permits and lottery permits and licences for smaller scale, local gaming and lottery activity.
• Protect underage people by standardising the minimum age for all licensed gambling at 18 years of age, including for betting on the Tote.
• Ensure more proceeds from lotteries goes to charitable causes.
• Update the stake and prize limits for licensed gaming machines, with a provision for the Minister to amend the amounts by regulation.
• Serve an important public interest in assisting the better promotion of gaming and lotteries and enhance consumer protection.

The 2019 Act is an interim reform measure pending the comprehensive reform of gambling in Ireland. The Government is committed to the modernisation of our licensing and regulatory environment for gambling. A new independent gambling regulator will enforce appropriate licensing and regulatory measures in respect of all gambling activities, including online.