Michael McDowell, the Irish Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, announced this week that a new committee has been approved to report on the proposed regulation of gambling activities in Ireland. Tasked with investigating both live and online forms of gambling, the Casino Regulation Committee will report to the Irish government by the end of the year on a range of issues including regulation, the functions and powers of a regulatory body, licensing of gambling firms, codes of practice and the role of local authorities.

According to McDowell, the decision to establish the committee was made after the unregulated nature of casino-style activities became a major concern. “The establishment of this Committee is a major step towards addressing this situation and I look forward to the report of the Committee in the coming months,” McDowell said. “I expect that the legislative proposals will bring about strict regulation over the establishment of and operation of casinos while ensuring that public and local interests are served. The views of the Financial Action Task Force which has commented unfavorably on the current situation in Ireland as regards casino operations and money laundering are also of concern and I have ensured that those views will be taken into account in the compilation of the Committee’s report.”

The Committee will include representatives of several organizations, including the Department of Environment, Department of Finance, the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism. Michael McGrath, a barrister experienced in licensing issues, will act as Chairman. The Committee’s first task will be to respond to the expressions of interest invited from members of the public in relation to casino regulation.

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