Ireland looks to be on the verge of finalising new gambling legislation that will license casino gambling.
Minister for Justice Alan Shatter has announced that the government has approved the General Scheme of the Gambling Control Bill 2013. The next step will be to complete the drafting of the bill.
The new bill will repeal and replace all existing regulation of betting, gaming, bingo and lotteries – except for the National Lottery – and extends the licensing regime to include both online and electronic gambling.
Under the bill, the number of casinos will be limited to 40 and no casino will be permitted to have more than 15 tables.
“This legislation has the twin objective of effectively regulating the new and dynamic gambling sector that has emerged in recent years, while also providing the opportunity to introduce important new measures to protect vulnerable adults and young people,” Shatter said. “The updated legislation and new regulatory regime will provide for a consistent interpretation and application of the law across all areas of gambling and as a result, it will bring legal certainty to the area.”
“I believe that this bill will give Ireland a well regulated gambling system that will be recognised as such internationally."
