Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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576. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if current gambling regulations permit bookmakers to offer roulette or other games of chance on licensed premises; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33280/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Gambling Control Bill will, when enacted, establish a single licensing authority for gambling, namely the Minister for Justice and Equality. There will be terms and conditions attaching to each licence issued, including those licences issued to betting operators. I am committed to publishing this legislation in early 2015.

However, pending the publication and enactment of the new legislation, the Betting Act 1931 (as amended) continues to be the basis for the licensing of bookmakers' shops. My colleague, the Minister for Finance, has primary responsibility under the Act, with the Revenue Commissioners issuing bookmakers' licences in accordance with the terms of the legislation.

The Betting Amendment Bill 2013, which will amend the 1931 Act, is currently before the Oireachtas. It is my understanding that the Minister for Finance intends to have this legislation enacted at the earliest possible opportunity.