Although there are plenty of casinos in Ireland – around 40 at present – the country has no casino laws. These legal operations function, and have functioned for years with few problems, as private members clubs. So far there has been no political will to introduce casino licensing and regulation, but the outgoing Minister for Justice, Brian Lenihan, was looking at introducing appropriate legislation. Dermot Ahern, the new Minister for Justice, will now have to look at this controversial topic.

It has been revealed that the Department of Justice was approached about changes to gambling legislation by Harrah’s Entertainment. The company apparently suggested that casino resorts could be the way forward, imposing a minimum size on development. Harrah’s outlined a plan for a €350 million 4-star hotel with a casino of less than 10% of total area and leisure facilities. As Many as 2,000 jobs could be created by the scheme.

It is likely that a cross-party committee will be set up to examine the issue of new gambling legislation, which has not been updated since 1956. Casinos are still a politically sensitive subject but it seems that changes will be made to regulate the industry and comply with international standards on such things as money laundering directives. If casino legislation is enacted in due course, Harrah’s will not be the only international operator looking at investing in Ireland. (E-05.12.08)

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