Ahern set to gamble on casinos
PROPOSAL: Justice minister to create gaming regulatory body
Saturday June 21 2008
JUSTICE Minister Dermot Ahern has indicated he will loosen Ireland's gambling laws by legalising casinos.
Mr Ahern also intends to create a new regulatory authority for all forms of gaming. He said existing laws on gambling were "past their sell-by date".
The minister promised to reach cross-party agreement and consult with the public before any changes are made.
He said most parties have agreed to the proposal to set up a cross-party committee on gambling but talks are continuing.
Casinos are illegal under the 1956 Gaming and Lotteries Act.
But up to 50 private members' clubs offering roulette, blackjack and other games have opened up around the country.
While one of his predecessors, Michael McDowell, had proposed to close these clubs down, Mr Ahern said: "We are past the day when we can outlaw them. What we need to do is regulate them in a way that is fair."
Mr Ahern said he would publish the report of the inter-departmental Casino Regulatory Committee established by Mr McDowell soon.
It is understood that it recommends legalising medium-size casinos subject to strict regulatory controls. It also advocates that casino licences be awarded according to criteria set by a regulatory body and not be auctioned off.
The age limit for gaming should be set at 18, and possibly at 21 for casinos.
Consistency
Government policies across different departments should be reviewed for consistency and more research should be carried out into the effects of problem gambling.
The report is strongly against allowing fixed-odds betting terminals in bookmakers' premises or pubs. But the document is equivocal about allowing the terminals in licensed gaming premises.
In a letter to Labour leader Eamon Gilmore, Mr Ahern said he has "no intention or interest of using the cloak" of a cross-party committee to force changes.
- Cormac Murphy
