Irish government backtracks new gambling law
Bingo operators were opposed to the gambling law as they believed that it would force them to close, but the Irish government backed down.
Ireland.- Bingo operators and players all across Ireland protested this week in front of the Dáil, as they considered that the proposed gambling law would force halls to close. On Wednesday night, all parties in the Dáil passed a Sinn Féin amendment to the Gaming and Lotteries Bill that favours them.
The Irish government ended up backing down on the gambling law that critics said that it would leave bingo halls out of business. The new amendment increases the cap on prize money given out by bingo operators from 50% to 75%, breakingnews.ie reported.
Independent TD Denis Naughten said: “This is what bingo players have been looking for. All of us as TDs have been contacted by organisers and bingo players across the country. We are now back to a situation where whatever was the usual that was given out can continue to be given out in community halls right across this country.”
Deputy Naughten said: “It has now changed to 75% where the prize money is in excess of €5,000. Where the prize money is less than that the current rules continue to apply. This is a very positive development and it is great to see all of the TDs from all the political parties in Dáil Eireann unite to get this particular proposal over the line.”
Ireland approves new maximum stake for gambling machines
Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan introduced to Cabinet new changes that will see a new maximum stake of €5 for gambling machines. The initiative was approved last week by the local government.
Flanagan’s changes include a new €500 limit as maximum payout for electronic gaming or slot machines. These limits were last updated in 1956 and the government argued that they needed to modernise the local framework.
David Stanton, Minister of State in the Department of Justice, said: “Modifying stake and prize amounts is the only current role of the Minister for Justice and Equality with regard to gaming machines. The proposal had been to raise these amounts to €10 and €750 respectively.
