The planned overhaul of Northern Irish betting and gaming regulations took another step yesterday, as the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Amendment) Bill entered the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Having successfully passed the first stage, the first phase of the regulatory adjustment focuses on land-based operations. If fully passed through the Stormont, the Bill will enact the most significant changes to Northern Irish gambling oversight in 35 years by amending the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Northern Ireland) Order 1985.

Betting and gaming operators as well as hospitality businesses active in Northern Ireland were told to prepare for statutory changes to gambling legislation in May of this year – following the appointment of Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey to oversee the overhaul.