The Irish Minister of Justice has revealed that gambling laws in the country will be liberalized and a new regulatory authority will be created to control all kinds of gambling. Minister Dermot Ahern declared that current regulations concerning gambling are not effective any more, but he promised to reach an agreement between the parties and ask for public opinion before making any changes.

Casinos are illegal in Ireland since the 1956 Gaming and Lotteries Act was approved, but currently there are up to 50 private clubs that offer roulette, blackjack and other casino games. Ahern commented that most of the parties have agreed to work on a proposal to establish a gaming committee to discuss the issue.

Plus, the Minister revealed that he would publish a report by the Casino Regulatory Committee recommending the legalization of medium-size casinos, subject to strict regulations. The report also recommends the revision of government policies in the different departments to make them coherent and further investigation about the effects of gambling addictions.

Paddy Powers has informed that it will examine the possibility of entering the Irish casino market once the government passes the new legislation. A spokesperson for the Irish company said the interest of the group in the operation of casinos in the country would be based on the assumption that the new legislation introduced was “sensible”.