Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 14: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the introduction of fixed odds betting terminals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32771/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Report "Regulating Gaming in Ireland" deals comprehensively with many aspects of gaming and gambling in Ireland, including the subject of Fixed Odds Betting Terminals, or FOBTs. As the Deputy is aware, the report regarded FOBTs as gaming instruments and therefore as inappropriate instruments to be located in licensed bookmakers' premises, on the basis that the traditional distinction between gaming and betting should be maintained.

In the current regulatory environment, I am advised that FOBTs, if they were introduced in bookmakers' premises, would be illegal. The Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 as amended prohibits gaming except in limited circumstances, for example at a circus or travelling show, at a carnival, or in a licensed amusement arcade — and then subject to limitations. Unlawful gaming is defined as playing a game (whether of skill or chance or partly skill and partly chance) for stakes placed by the players in which, by reason of the nature of the game, the chances of all the players, including the banker, are not equal or in which any portion of the stakes is retained by the promoter or by the banker, otherwise than as winnings on the result of the play.

I understand that fixed odds betting terminals or FOBTs are software-driven, often touch screen, terminals, usually of about the same size and shape as a stand alone floorstanding cash dispenser. FOBT users can place stakes on a variety of gambling products and services whose outcome is driven by a random number generator operated by an independent third party and located remotely. I am aware of data from Great Britain which suggests that problem gamblers are attracted to FOBTs. However, the FOBT issue is just one of a number of issues surrounding the development of gaming policy in Ireland. It is not something that I believe should be given greater prominence than others, such as for example, the challenges of remote gambling and the need to protect young people from getting sucked into a gambling culture.

In my answer to Parliamentary Question Number 932 of Wednesday 24th September last, I set out the terms of reference of the informal Cross-Party Committee to Review Gaming in Ireland. I am setting up this Committee following on from publication of the report of the Casino Committee, "Regulating Gaming in Ireland". I look forward to receiving the advice of the Committee in due course.