In Northern Ireland yesterday the Social Development Minister Alex Attwood launched a consultation on strengthening controls on gambling and support for Sunday opening of bookmakers. It is said that problem gambling is almost four times higher in Northern Ireland than in Great Britain and measures to reform the regulatory regime while easing some current restrictions are intended to balance gaming industry development.

The key reforms under consideration include allowing Sunday gambling at bookmaking offices and reforms to minimise the adverse impact of gambling. Such reforms would entail the imposition of an industry levy to fund research, education and treatment of problem gamblers and the introduction of statutory social responsibility codes of conduct for gambling providers. There is also a perceived need for a single gambling regulator, which could be the Department for Social Development. At present both licensing and enforcement are controlled by the courts, district councils and police.

Alex Attwood said: “My priority will be the public interest; striking a balance between developing gambling as a leisure pursuit and minimising its harmful effects. These have been the standards I have adopted and am adopting in regulating other industries including the drinks industry and the shops trade. The current regulatory system is fragmented. Close supervision of the industry is needed to keep crime out of gambling, protect the vulnerable and promote fairness. I welcome views on creating a single licensing body with new powers to impose penalties on gambling operators for breaches of licensing conditions. There are decisions to be made in this area of complex public policy and I wish to ensure that everyone in the community has the chance to comment.”

In Northern Ireland gambling (other than the National Lottery) is regulated under the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries & Amusements (NI) Order 1985. In broad terms the 1985 Order regulates betting on tracks and in bookmaking offices; gaming including the use, supply and maintenance of gaming machines and gaming in bingo clubs; small scale amusements with prizes; and lotteries. Licensing falls mainly to the courts and district councils while enforcement lies with the police.

No change is being proposed in the law to permit commercial Casinos or other high-stakes gaming but consideration will be given to increasing or removing monetary limits on gambling in line with Great Britain. The aim would be to set limits at reasonable levels to provide some additional revenue for the industry, while discouraging excessive and illegal gaming. High-stake gaming machines are not permitted in Northern Ireland and no significant change is being proposed. High-stake machine style Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) in bookmaking offices operate within a grey area of the law and legislation will be introduced to ban their use in the region.

Attwood believes that allowing bookmakers and licensed bingo clubs to open on Sundays would reflect a sensible and pragmatic approach which will benefit the local economy. He is seeking views on introducing a licensing scheme for online providers who wish to establish their operations in Northern Ireland. It is unlikely operators will wish to set-up there for tax reasons and regulating the activities of online gambling providers based overseas is considered an issue for the UK Government.

It will fall to the next administration to make final decisions and promote the necessary legislation. The aim of the consultation is to produce a flexible legislative framework to meet changing circumstances without the need for frequent amendment of the law. (E-02.25.11)

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