Debate contribution: Gambling Legislation
Debate contribution by Mr Gordon Lyons on .
- MLA
- Mr Gordon Lyons
- Party at the time
- Democratic Unionist Party
- Date
- 29 September 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Gambling Legislation
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5761354
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I concluded some time ago that it would not be possible in the current mandate to introduce a Bill of the scale and complexity necessary to achieve the comprehensive reform of gambling legislation that is required. Gambling is a complex and rapidly evolving area. The pace of technological change, particularly in online gambling, is just one example of the issues that future legislation should address. It will be for a future Minister to determine the detail of the gambling legislation that should be taken forward in the next mandate. I have, however, instructed my officials to continue to scope and gather evidence on the statutory protections that are already in place. That will help identify deficiencies that may need to be addressed through a future reform Bill, while ensuring that existing protections are maximised in the interim. A review of the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, which is expected to take place next year, will assess whether the changes brought in in 2022 are working as they were intended, thereby helping to inform the future reform of gambling legislation. Work is also ongoing to assess the feasibility and sustainability of a gambling industry levy, and I am keen to see that progress. It is, however, important that any future approach be evidence-based, effective and sustainable. The issues involved are complex and require careful consideration. It is important that that work be completed thoroughly before decisions are taken on the next appropriate steps.
247 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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