This article was originally published in Casino Review, August 2008, Issue 70.

The long awaited Report of the Irish Casino Committee entitled "Report on Regulating Gaming in Ireland" was finally published by the Irish Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on 10 July 2008. Overall, the Report appears to take a pragmatic approach in recognising the existing market for casino type activities in Ireland.

On a positive note for the Irish casino industry, the Report which runs to 222 pages contains very few surprises. It has long been rumoured that the Report recommended that gaming legislation be overhauled in Ireland particularly with regard to the licensing of casinos given the proliferation of private member club casinos in Ireland.

The Report proposes in one of its 32 recommendations "the adoption of a restrictive licensing regime which provides the appropriate body with the power to strictly licence premises, operators, suppliers and key employees". Of particular interest is the recommendation that if casinos are to be licensed then registered charities, Horse Racing Ireland and Bord na gCon (the body responsible for the greyhound industry in Ireland) should be allowed to apply for licences. This is obviously aimed at negating any revenue losses the horse racing and greyhound industries might suffer.

On a less than positive note for the casino industry, it appears that the prospect of any draft legislation reforming the area is not imminent. This will be a major disappointment to private member club casino operators in Ireland who are understandably keen to see their uncertain legal position under the current legislation clarified. The Minister is to establish an informal Cross-Party Committee which is to examine all aspects of gaming in Ireland and which will provide a final report with recommendations on the future architecture for gaming in Ireland. Already statements from certain quarters, such as that from the Labour Party, suggest that cross-party consensus may be difficult to achieve.

The Cross-Party Committee is to undertake public consultation in relation to the issues in the Casino Committee Report. We expect that many in the industry will continue to lobby and will make submissions to the Cross-Party Committee. While the casino market is unlikely to change in Ireland in the short-term, Ireland is nevertheless on the road to change.

For further information please contact Áine Matthews of the Gaming and Gambling Unit.

This article was originally published in Casino Review, August 2008, Issue 70.