Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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256. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the potential illegal activities of some gambling operators offering gambling services online in circumstances where they have been found to be breaching existing gambling control laws in other jurisdictions, such as Australia; the measures that will be put in place in the Gambling Control Bill to tackle potential breaches of gambling control laws in this jurisdiction, particularly those perpetrated by online operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54945/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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While I am unable to comment on activities by on-line gambling operators in other jurisdictions, I can assure the Deputy that I am aware that the regulation of on-line operators, especially unlicensed on-line operators presents particular difficulties. I will therefore be including two particular measures in the forthcoming Gambling Control Bill that are targeted at this particular issue. These measures are in addition to a comprehensive set of new measures applicable to all operators.

The first of the additional measures provides the basis for enhanced cooperation arrangements at the international level between regulators. These arrangements will facilitate contacts and exchanges of information between our authorities and their counterparts abroad, thereby making it very difficult for those operators trying to avoid detection.

I am also proposing that the regulator may apply for Court orders to prevent, disrupt or obstruct receipt of the unlicensed service; these orders will result in what is commonly referred to as "blocking" of the website. Orders may also restrict publicity, including advertising that refers in any way to the service, as well as prohibiting banks from executing financial transactions with the unlicensed operator.

I believe these measures will be effective but I am prepared to consider additional measures if they can be shown to add to the controls on these sites.