Cearrbhachas agus Crannchuir

The Gaming and Lotteries Acts 1956–2003 allow some limited forms of gambling. This is in order to provide a controlled outlet for people who wish to gamble. It also provides a method of fund-raising for charitable, philanthropic and other socially desirable purposes.

The forms of gambling permitted under the 1956 Act are:

  • lotteries (excluding lotteries covered by the National Lottery Act 1986, which is under the auspices of the Department of Finance)
  • a very limited form of gaming ('gaming' means playing a game (either of skill or chance) for money.)

 

All of these activities are closely controlled by legislation.

Typically, to run a lottery, you need a Garda Superintendent’s permit or a District Court licence and to keep to the terms of the permit or licence.

Gaming can be carried out at an amusement hall or a funfair licensed for the purpose and must be conducted in accordance with the licence. The stake and prize limits are set down in law.

The law in relation to betting is contained in the Betting Act 1931 (which is the responsibility of the Department of Finance). This includes betting on horse and dog racing and other sporting events. Horse Racing Ireland and the Irish Greyhound Board (Bord na gCon) are now responsible for the control of horse and greyhound racing respectively.

For more information on gaming and lotteries, see the Review of the Gaming and Lotteries Acts 1956-86. A copy of the Act is included in the review document.

Casino Regulation Committee

The Casino Regulation Committee was set up in August 2006 to examine and report on the following:

  • the possibilities for a legislative basis for the strict regulation of casino-style operations in the State.
  • the form of regulation, the functions and powers of any regulatory body, the licensing system, codes of practice, investigations of complaints, entry and inspection, appeals against decisions, the nature and type of offences, Internet gambling, etc.
  • the role of local authorities.
  • the requirements of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).*
     

The report of the committee was published in July 2008 under the title Cearrbhachas in Eirinn a Rialáil(2.22MB Pdf). The report  is a lengthy one which deals with a range of complex and inter-related public policy matters and makes recommendations that have significant public policy implications. It was clear that further detailed consultation and analysis was required before Government could be asked to make a formal decision on introducing any new regulatory regime in relation to gambling. That review has now commenced. To find out about the current review of gambling click here.

* The FATF is an inter-governmental body, created in 1989, whose purpose is the development and promotion of policies, both at national and international levels, to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.