Strict laws needed for our Vegas-style casinos
FEARS: Minister wants shake-up to crack down on fraud
Any plans for Ireland to have its own Las Vegas-style development were dealt a blow today as it emerged the country is too small to support it.
But proposals to overhaul Ireland's historic gaming laws found a super casino resort and leisure complex could create thousands of jobs and top up dwindling State coffers.
The consultation paper, Options for Regulating Gambling, added any development would be subject to strict regulation from a new independent body and on-site regulation.
The report, published by Justice Minister Dermot Ahern, said resort casinos would generate large-scale employment during construction and operation, when it could house up to 1,500 gaming machines, live entertainment, dining and refreshments spread across some 5,000 sqm of floor space.
Vulnerable
They should also provide a high return to the State in terms of licensing fees and gambling tax revenue, it found.
Mr Ahern said: "It is my wish that gambling regulation should be brought into the 21st century and that means improved protection for minors and vulnerable adults, more transparent operations by gambling providers, and more effective measures against fraud and illegal gambling and criminality".
Ambitious plans for a super casino, sports complex and entertainment resort near the village of Two-Mile-Borris have already been approved by North Tipperary County Council.
The f460m project features a 6,000sqm casino, a replica of the White House, a 500-bedroom five-star hotel and an entertainment complex.
However, changes are needed to the Gaming Act for the casino to obtain a licence to operate.
The project has been openly backed by Independent TD Michael Lowry -- who maintained he made no demands on the issue when he agreed to back the Government's controversial Budget.
Those in opposition fear gambling will rise, hitting the poorest communities hardest and spiralling more people into debt. Members of organised crime will also have a means to launder money, it is claimed.
Other measures in Options for Regulating Gambling propose that responsibility for all gambling activities fall under a new unified regulator for gambling, with local authorities having powers over planning and licensing arrangements.
hnews@herald.ie
- Sarah Stack
