NI Gambling Laws Updated

Northern Ireland’s gambling laws are to be updated in line with the EU, according to Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland.

The Minister’s announcement follows a recent meeting of the Northern Ireland Executive.

Nelson McCausland said: "It is necessary to update the current gambling laws in order to address the rapidly changing gambling environment that exists today; changes are also required to ensure that our law complies with relevant EU provisions."

A public consultation was carried out by the Department of Social Development in 2011.

A Gambling Prevalence Survey has found that around 2% of people in Northern Ireland has had a problem with gambling.

"My priority is to minimise the harmful effects of gambling; the new law will be underpinned by objectives aimed at keeping crime out of gambling, ensuring fairness within the gambling industry and protecting the young and vulnerable," the Minister said.

The new law will include the following:

* A section dealing with the protection of children and young people;

* Residents of Northern Ireland will be able to participate in promotional prize draws;

* Gaming machine categories and standards currently used in Great Britain will be adopted;

* Some restrictions on advertising will be lifted;

* Bets placed in a bookmakers office will be legally binding contracts rather than just a "Gentleman’s agreement"

* The current ban on casinos will be retained.

Work will now commence on drafting the new legislation. It is expected that this will be brought to the Assembly before the end of the current mandate.

(IT)