Gambling on new jobs
GAMBLING could create 10,000 new jobs in Ireland in the next 12 years, according to a report commissioned by the Gaming and Leisure Association of Ireland.
New positions in casinos and with online gambling sites are predicted to generate €280m in exchequer returns by 2020.
The association is calling for the casino and gaming sector to be regulated to achieve the maximum economic benefits from both traditional casinos and online games.
The report, by DKM Economic Consultants, claims regulation of the gambling sector could generate €50m annually in revenue to the exchequer.
This income would be generated through gaming and corporation tax, PAYE/PRSI contributions and commercial rates from 'land-based' or traditional casinos. Online casinos could be even more profitable, generating up to €230m per annum in revenue to the exchequer.
The report predicts that the industry could employ 10,000 people over the next 12 years in the IT and financial services sectors and support services such as accountancy and advertising.
Author John Lawlor said online gaming companies were seeking bases in countries such as Ireland which have well-developed IT infrastructure and skilled staff.
"The online sector is currently largely based in offshore locations that tend to suffer from limitations in terms of IT infrastructure or specialist skill sets."
