Irish minister stands by online lottery

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said an online lottery won’t harm the national lottery’s performance.

Ireland.- The evolution of the gambling industry continues to be a major discussion topic for politicians across the globe. In Ireland, the implementation of the online lottery seems to be the main issue with some people who argue it would harm the national lottery – claims that Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, has dismissed.

“There’s no evidence of a significant impact on the national lottery arising from online lottery betting at present,” Donohoe said after a Parliamentary question. He also explained that contributions from the national lottery to good causes have “not yet been materially affected by other developments” such as electronic or online versions of the lottery.

“As we have said for some time, the evidence clearly shows that lottery betting does not impact the national lottery; we are pleased the Minister has recognised this,” said Elisa Field, chairperson of the European Lotto Betting Association (eLBA).

The eLBA was established to support lottery betting operators and has members such as myLotto24, Lottoland, Multilotto and Lottogo. The organisation is looking forward to work with regulators and ministries to push lottery gambling and educate about its benefits.