Outdated Irish Gambling Legislation Takes Another HitDismissal of Unlawful Gaming Charge Highlights Legislation Shortcomings |
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The Atlantis Casino Club in Clonmel, County Tipperary in Ireland does not plan to reopen despite the dismissal of the unlawful gaming charge brought against it in May 2008. The charge was made after seven policemen raided the club and seized the roulette wheel, safe, and gambling chips.
According to The Irish Times, the District Court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to prove the charge under the 1956 Gaming and Lotteries Act. However, the operator of the club, Paul Lucey said that the police raid had basically put him out of business and he did not think the backers would want to open it again. “We ran a professional show. We paid our taxes and all our staff were on the books. Like others in this sector, we want legislation to clarify the situation,” said Mr. Lucey.
This case was seen as a test to Irish gambling legislation which labels casinos as illegal under the 1956 Act, despite the fact there are around 50 Irish casinos currently operating as private members’ clubs. David Hickson of The Gaming and Leisure Association of Ireland said, “This outcome appears to show that the authorities don’t have the power to close down clubs, and it doesn’t give us the clarity we need on the law. It’s not serving anybody well at the moment.”
Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern’s efforts to legalise casinos are not meeting cross-party approval. However, the legislation is expected to be included in a new anti-money laundering Bill which is soon to be published. Ahern is quoted as saying existing laws, which date back to 1956 and take no account of casinos or online gaming, were “past their sell-by date”.
