The Government has been criticised for amending landmark new gambling legislation to allow for free bets to be offered to the general public.

Minister of State at the Department of Justice James Browne brought the legislation again to the Seanad this week, one step from its final stage before being signed into law.

When enacted, the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 will establish the country’s first-ever gambling regulator. Strict curbs will be brought in on gambling advertising along with hefty penalties should gambling firms breach new requirements made of them.