Plans to update gambling laws in Northern Ireland announced
In broad terms, the 1985 Order regulates betting on tracks and in bookmaking offices, gaming machines, bingo clubs and lotteries.
The law is becoming increasingly out of date due to changes in industry practices and the development of new forms of gambling.
In 2009 the Department commenced a review of the law which included the first comprehensive gambling survey undertaken in Northern Ireland.
The Northern Ireland Government is to change the province’s gambling laws, which currently ban companies from running prize draw promotions linked to product purchase, after pressure from the IPM.
Brands and agencies currently either have to offer a ‘No Purchase Necessary’ route just for Northern Ireland, or exclude Northern Irish consumers from promotions.
The IPM had pointed out that the ban was itself illegal under the EU Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, which the Northern Ireland Executive now appears to accept.