In an effort to bring Ireland's gaming policies up to speed, John O'Donoghue , the Irish minister for justice, equality and law reform, last year established the Interdepartmental Group, a panel designated to reviewing the country's 1956 Gaming and Lotteries Act. The product of their research is 108-page report published by O'Donoghue in June. Interactive gambling received considerable attention.
O'Donoghue says the report underlines his commitment to update, where necessary, legislation in all areas within the department's remit. Next, using recommendations from the report, O'Donoghue's office will create a new legislation.
The overall theme of the report, which contains 47 recommendations, is to provide a modern regulatory environment while ensuring that proper controls and safeguards are in place, especially regarding underage gambling. The establishment of a new gaming and lotteries authority is a key ingredient. Additionally, a recommendation for Internet gaming and lotteries was made to ensure that any prohibitions be enforceable equally for both online and offline environments.
"The report's recommendations, when implemented, would enable all gaming and lottery activities to be conducted within clear legal parameters," O'Donoghue stated. "It would also address any outstanding enforcement or legal issues surround the use of gaming (or slot) machines and the operation of various forms of lotteries."
The group received more than 70 written submissions and heard 13 oral submissions from interested parties during the development of the report.
Click here to view relevant portions of the report, including the executive summary and recommendations, as well as specific commentary regarding Internet gaming and lotteries.