Mr. Liam Sloyan:

It is an area we are very much focused on. The licence includes controls on online play. We oversee the implementation of those controls, which include the spending limits. In addition, we have overseen the introduction of further controls by the operator, which include a player protection panel that analyses the data returns in respect of online play. There tends to be a hierarchy of risk in these types of things. Draw based games are probably the lowest risk; scratch cards and online play is riskier. The operator analyses the various returns and data on online play in order to address any issues it sees in the activities. If it considers there is play activity that indicates a problem, it writes to advise the player of the tools that are available to assist him or her. They include player exclusion. Players can self-exclude themselves and they can set their own limits. They can contact various bodies for help.

In addition, we limit the approval in respect of online games. The approvals are time-limited and we receive player protection reports each quarter from the operator which reports on online activity and informs our consideration of any roll-over of approval regarding online playing.