Ireland discusses revision of online gaming laws

As a number of countries throughout the world revisit their online gambling legislation, Ireland gears up to take a slice of the gaming action. Talks surrounding the status of online casinos are finally starting to gather pace in Ireland as a host of European countries, together with the United States, begin the controversial road towards legalisation.

The online casino industry has yet to take off in Ireland which has thus far been restricted by the Gaming and Lotteries Act. The 1956 legislation banned casino businesses and continues to inhibit the growth of internet gaming and casino sites. Many are now saying that the Act is in serious need of revision following the rapid advancement in technology and gaming practices throughout the globe.

David Hickson, a senior director of the Gaming and Leisure Association noted that Ireland has an important opportunity to enter the casino market. Noting recent amendment to the UK's online gambling laws, he argued that Ireland has the chance to review its own restrictive legislation together with the accompanying taxation laws for itself. In addition, many supporters of such proposals have noted the employment opportunities afforded by developments in such an industry. Figures show that 5% of the market could serve to generate approximately 5,000 extra jobs. Enthusiasts are citing these statistics in a time where the effects of the recession are being felt across the UK and world at large.

As the campaign gains momentum, it is certainly clear that the process will be fraught with controversy. It remains to be seen whether US proposals will spark a wave of legislation set to revolutionise online gaming forever.