07.07.2010
The Law surrounding online bingo in Ireland has been patchy to say the least, however good news; a recent announcement suggesting that Irish gaming law is to be reformed implies this is likely to be cleared up sooner rather than later.
Gambling legislation in Ireland was written long before the dawn of the Internet as we know it so the Irish online bingo sites have operated in a very grey area. The majority of gaming companies that take bingo bets from the citizens of Ireland have their gaming licences issued from the Isle of Man, Alderney & Gibraltar.
The Irish Minister for Justice and Law Reform has made a statement in which he has said legislation will be changed following close consultation with gambling industry groups.
He said: “From my replies to previous questions, The Deputy will be aware that the consultation phase I have initiated on the review of gambling has come to a close. I am pleased to mention that over 70 organisations considered the topic important enough to submit written submissions and face-to-face meetings with the review team.”
He went on to add that any new policy would be with a view of modernising their gambling code taking into account not only the challenges and threats, but also the opportunities available on the internet.
He made a point to mention that both the young and the vulnerable are to be protected; and that gambling should be fairly and openly conducted in order to be kept free of crime.
Watch this space!
