Northern Ireland will bring its machine stake and prize limits in line with those of Great Britain.

The NI Assembly backed a motion by communities minister Gordon Lyons to raise the maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals to £2 and cap prizes at £500. Lyons defended the move, arguing that aligning with Great Britain would modernise Northern Ireland’s gambling laws and create greater consistency across the UK.

The minister stated that updating regulations would enhance industry oversight, ensuring gambling remains fair and transparent. The DUP asserts that these reforms could help tackle problem gambling by clarifying regulations, reducing unregulated gambling, and improving industry accountability.

While acknowledging concerns about problem gambling, the minister emphasised that progress had been made since the assembly initially debated the reforms. A land-based gambling levy for Northern Ireland is under consideration as part of future gambling reforms. However, Lyons confirmed there are no immediate plans to introduce it.

Lyons’ motion passed without a formal vote, as the legislative assembly has not yet decided whether to begin reviewing the 57 recommendations proposed by an all-party group to modernise NI’s gambling laws and protections. The Traditional Unionist Voice party has strongly opposed the reforms, questioning why protections introduced in Great Britain are not being extended to Northern Ireland.