Betting Act reform and bookmaker rules
Coughlan urged modernising the Betting Act, citing illegal betting and unequal restrictions on licensed bookmakers. Ryan agreed the law needed updating but said he could not direct that it be disobeyed.
The return to the Exchequer from licensed betting offices is approximately £6 million. In view of the outdated Betting Act, is the Minister now prepared to introduce up-to-date legislation to control this important source of revenue? Illegal betting is being carried on in public houses and illegal bets are being sent out of the country. To increase revenue and to give licensed bookmakers an advantage for which they have paid a large fee——
Comment on this
I am asking the Minister when he will take action to update the outmoded Betting Act.
Comment on this
I should like to make it clear that the annual amount collected from betting offices is in excess of £6 million. On the basis of there being 996 betting offices paying £20 each, the anticipated annual income is £19,920. The annual fee becomes payable in November/December and we anticipate that that amount will be collected. I share the Deputy's view that there is a need to update the Betting Act to take account of changes in social patterns since the Betting Act was introduced. There is also a need to ensure that illegal betting does not occur in premises which are not licensed for betting, particularly in premises which are licensed for the sale of alcohol. I have been in discussion with the Department of Justice and the industry itself. Amendments are being drafted and it is my hope that it will be possible to introduce a Bill which will reflect the needs of 1976.
Comment on this
Until such time as legislation is introduced, will the Minister take action to ensure that licensed bookmakers are not disadvantaged to the extent they are at present, when they are being prosecuted? Some of them have been heavily fined for having television and other broadcasting facilities on their premises while these facilities are allowed in public houses. In the meantime will the Minister allow bookmakers to give the same services as publicans?
Comment on this
The Deputy will appreciate that it is not open to any Minister to give a direction that the law should be disobeyed. I hope the authorities will bear in mind what the Deputy has said.