Written answers

Thursday, 14 March 2013

Department of Finance

Betting Regulations

Photo of Michael McGrathMichael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Finance in respect of the application for a bookmakers licence under the Betting Act 1931, the reason the certificate of personal fitness from the applicant's local superintendent of an Garda Síochána must be dated not earlier than 21 days before the date of application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13475/13]

Photo of Michael NoonanMichael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for processing applications for bookmakers’ licences, inform me that a current certificate of personal fitness is required to allow them to issue a licence. Section 7(1) of the Betting Act 1931 requires a person applying for a bookmaker’s licence and to whom a certificate of personal fitness has been given, to apply to Revenue and submit the certificate within 21 days of the issue of the certificate.

The certificate of personal fitness certifies that a person is a fit and proper person to hold a bookmakers licence. A bookmaker’s licence is renewed on a yearly basis and the bookmaker must apply to the Minister for Justice and Equality for a certificate of personal fitness at each renewal. The applicant must publish advance notice in a daily newspaper circulating in Dublin of their intent to apply for a certificate of personal fitness not less than a fortnight or more than a month before applying and the Minister has absolute discretion in granting or refusing the application. Section 6 of the Betting Act 1931 lays out specific grounds under which a certificate can be refused by a superintendent of an Garda Síochána, including failure to pay out on winning bets.

The requirement to submit the licence application and certificate to Revenue within 21 days of the certificate's issue is intended to maintain the currency of the applicant’s fitness to hold a bookmakers licence.

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