210. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he is aware of the prevalence of unlicenced gambling in some public houses; the body that is responsible for the enforcement of the law in this case; and if he will discuss the issue with the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland. [38346/26]

Jim O'Callaghan, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration: Addressing unlicensed gaming activities is currently a matter for An Garda Síochána under the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956.

The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 (‘2024 Act’) was enacted on 23 October 2024 and established a new, independent statutory body – the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (‘the Authority’). Last year, I signed orders to commence the first provisions of the Act and to establish the Authority from 5 March 2025.

The provisions of the 2024 Act and the powers of the Authority are being rolled out on a phased basis and, in that context, I signed an order on 3 February 2026 to commence those parts of the Act that allow the Authority to begin accepting applications for the issuing of betting licences. As the Authority builds up its resources, commencement of the licensing of the remaining sectors of the gambling industry will take place in due course.

The Act provides the Authority with extensive powers to deal with unlicensed operators, those operating without the correct licence, or those in contravention of the terms of a licence issued by the Authority. The Act provides for an offence of providing a gambling activity without a licence and any person found guilty of such an offence shall be subject to a fine and / or up to 8 years imprisonment.

In addition to this offence, the Act also provides for the ability of the Authority, via court order, to block:

• internet service provision of a prohibited gambling activity or by unlicensed providers (both inside and outside the State);
• advertising of gambling activities by unlicensed providers;
• financial payments to unlicensed providers;
• the disposal of assets (by such an unlicensed provider) or reducing assets below a certain level; and
• to compel the surrender of any gambling products used in the provision of prohibited gambling services.

Work is progressing on commencing the remaining provisions of the Act and in that context, it is my intention to commence the licensing and regulation of gaming activities by the Authority, under the Act, later this year.