News sources in Ireland are reporting that the new Justice Minister, Dermot Ahern, has indicated that he will relax the country’s gambling laws and allow licensed casinos. The proposal to set up a cross-party committee has received general agreement but talks are continuing. There will also be public consultation before any final decision on legalising casinos is taken.

Under the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 casinos are illegal in Ireland but have so far successfully got around the law by operating as private members’ clubs. Throughout the country there are around 50 ‘casinos’ now offering gaming. According to Dermot Ahern the existing gambling laws are ‘beyond their sell-by date’ and he intends to create a new regulatory authority to control all forms of gambling in Ireland.

A report commissioned by a previous Justice Minister, Michael McDowell who proposed closing down the casinos at private members’ clubs, is due to be released shortly. The inter-departmental Casino Regulatory Committee is believed to have recommended legalising medium-sized casinos with licenses awarded according to set criteria, and not by auction. The age limit for gambling could be set at 21 and the report is strongly against allowing fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) at bookmakers or pubs. (E-06.23.08)

© Copyright 2008 CasinoCompendium



>>> return to archives
>>> return to frontpage