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The GLAI wants all matters pertaining to betting limits and hours of play be
left up to each casino, and that all personnel involved in gaming to be licensed
by the government following receipt of a certificate of personal fitness from the
Garda Siochana (police). The GLAI also feels that a new law should have
provisions governing Internet gaming so that Irish players would not be required
to patronize untaxed and unregulated offshore providers.
In their proposal the number of casinos would not be limited, but the
licensing authority would consider market conditions and locations which would
avoid residential areas and also be attractive for tourist gamblers. The casinos
would be limited in size to 15,000 square feet, with less than half that space for
gaming activities. European Union money laundering rules would be followed
by the casinos. This is a strong argument for legislation, as the rules now have
no effect on casino club activity.36
The GLAI has a Code of Practice which they also incorporate into their
proposal. The Code calls for financial transparency, video surveillance, and
recording of all names and accounts of players. No credit would be given by the
casino.37 The casinos would publicize the dangers of gambling addictions, and
they would maintain and enforce a registry for voluntary exclusion of players, in
addition to intervening when players show signs of addiction.
Minister Lenihan’s plan has yet to be unveiled in all its details. Thus far it is
known that it would create a gaming commission to license and regulate the
casinos. Casinos could be licensed if they demonstrated solvency as well as
having detailed security systems. Moreover, the horse tracks would also be
allowed to have licenses.38
Is the Time Right For (Legal and Regulated) Irish Casinos?
The political landscape of Ireland has been cleared of serious opposition to
casino gambling. Forces of inertia remain, and advocates of casinos must still be
careful as they design their policy initiatives so that they do not excite a latent
opposition that always lurks to defend any “status quo” situation. It is
appropriate to move seriously and openly and “with all due deliberate speed”
toward proposals for casinos that may be put forth for consideration by the
cabinet, executive, and then the Dail—the national parliament.
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
William Thompson
Notes
1 Rick Steves and Pat O ’Connor, Rick Steves’ Ireland 2007. Emeryville CA: Avalon
Travel Publ., p. 40.
2 Gaming and Lotteries Act (Ireland), 1956.
3 Interview with Joseph Kelly, Partner A+L Goodbody, Attys, North Wall Quay, Dublin,
October 4, 2007.
4 Interview with Joseph Kelly, above; interview with J.J. Woods , director o f Operations,
Atlantic Casino Consultants, at Clontarf Castle, Dublin, October 6, 2007; Tom
McEnaney, “New Casino Takes a Gamble on Irish Law,” The Sunday Times (London),
October 26, 2003; and Clair Ryan , “The Other National V ice,” Sunday Independent
LIFE (Dublin), March 6, 2005, pp. 23-25.