Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 17 April 2019

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality

Regulation of Gambling Sector: Discussion

Photo of David StantonDavid Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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As I said at the beginning, I would be quite happy to come back at any stage for a more substantial debate on this issue. Any constructive comments or suggestions are most welcome when it comes to this very complicated area. The Deputy spoke about banning profitable betting and information. It is envisaged that in respect of banning profitable gambling, the revised Bill will include conditions on licences and consumer protection to take that into account.

The Deputy pointed out the industry has an awful lot of information and data and he is right. This is developing by the day and getting more and more complicated. The separation of gambling and alcohol will certainly be considered in the revised Gambling Control Bill. It will be included. Fixed odds betting terminals will not be allowed. The stated Government position is that we do not want them.