Northern Ireland Needs to Change Gambling Laws

The idea of reforms for gambling laws was commented on by Alex Attwood, Northern Ireland's Social Development Minister, “The current regulatory system is fragmented. Close supervision of the industry is needed to keep crime out of gambling, protect the vulnerable and promote fairness. I welcome views on creating a single licensing body with new powers to impose penalties on gambling operators for breaches of licensing conditions.”

The minister then made a statement about his future aims saying that, “My priority will be the public interest; striking a balance between developing gambling as a leisure pursuit and minimizing its harmful effects”.

A number of gambling issues were brought up by the Social Development Minister to be discussed, including high stakes gaming, which would remain at the status quo and outdated provisions which would be significantly altered in terms of revising gambling restrictions and licenses. These changes would update the law to suit modern gambling expectations.
Licensing laws and regulations are being considered together with sharing the responsibility with the police force. Currently, the law doesn’t allow bookmaking outlets and bingo halls to function on Sundays. Changing this restriction to allow these businesses to open seven days a week, could according to the Minister, be advantageous for local economy.

Attwood is requesting opinions regarding the licensing issue for online gambling operators who wish to base themselves in Northern Ireland. He is also calling for opinions regarding lottery restrictions, problem gambling, stopping illegal gambling. Since the gambling industry is forever fluctuating, the Minister and the government are aiming to organize a flexible template for the online gambling businesses in order to anticipate any changes.