Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether remote gambling companies licenced by the Gambling Commission can legally advertise in Northern Ireland; whether a resident in Northern Ireland can raise concerns directly with the Gambling Commission about breaches of a remote gambling operator's licence conditions; and whether the Gambling Commission has a duty to investigate potential breaches of remote gambling operator licence conditions in Northern Ireland.

Operators wishing to advertise remote gambling in Northern Ireland must hold a Gambling Commission licence, as per the UK’s Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act 2014. However, the Commission’s jurisdiction covers Great Britain: England, Scotland and Wales. It does not have powers to investigate and prosecute in Northern Ireland as gambling is a devolved matter. Nevertheless, a licensed gambling operator’s behaviour in Northern Ireland, or indeed in any jurisdiction, can inform the Commission’s consideration of whether the operator is suitable to be licensed in Great Britain.

Operators advertising remote gambling in Northern Ireland must also abide by the UK Advertising Codes, which are enforced by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) independently of the government. The ASA cooperates with relevant authorities to address any complaints relating to advertising of remote gambling in Northern Ireland.

As gambling is a devolved issue, gambling consumers in Northern Ireland do not fall under the protection remit of the Gambling Commission. The Northern Ireland Executive is responsible for the protection of consumers in Northern Ireland.