Bingo operators in Ireland are set to campaign against a proposed gambling law that would change prize rates in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Ireland.- Bingo operators in Ireland are against a gambling proposal that would change prize rates in the country. They argue that the new laws cap prize money, it could lead to a drop-off in footfall and create uncertainty in Ireland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The legislation to modernise gambling laws in Ireland is scheduled to be presented tomorrow before the D\u00e1il. The measure would cap prize money of 50% of a bingo hall\u2019s takings every day, which is a significant decline from the current 75% to 85%,\u00a0Irish Times<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Emma Lavelle, head of operations at Jack Potts, which is one of the largest bing operators in the country, said that the legislation has created uncertainty in the industry. She believes that the legislative piece would lead to the closure of bingo halls as it is impossible to operate in such a structure. \u201cCustomers have already told us they won\u2019t be coming at those prices,\u201d Lavelle said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A spokesman from the Department of Justice said that the Minister of State David Stanton, who is in charge of gambling policies, has been in contact with bingo operators. \u201cIn the course of preparation of the 2019 Bill, concerns arose with the seemingly minimal amounts returned to the lottery licence-holder, (who must be a charitable or philanthropic cause), by bingo operators acting as agents,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis situation has informed the proposed new payment matrix of: a maximum of 50% of the proceeds to prizes, a maximum of 25% to the charity, and a maximum of 25% to expenses incurred in the operation of the lottery. This new payment matrix represents a progressive measure that ensures that charities receive a fair share from bingo operators and is both balanced and sustainable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nIreland approves new maximum stake for gambling machines<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n