Northern Ireland May Lift Live Poker BanConsultation Document On Future Of Gambling Published By Minister |
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The Minister for Social Development in the Northern Ireland Assembly, Dr. Alex Attwood, has published a consultation document on the future of gambling regulation there.
Gambling has traditionally been very heavily regulated in Northern Ireland with, for example, betting shops unable to open on Sundays, but the minister acknowledges in the document that patterns of gambling are changing and legislation is needed to address this.
On live poker, largely outlawed for all but very low buy in tournaments, the document says, “Driven by the popularity of televised poker, Texas Hold’em tournaments and other equal chance gaming are becoming a source of entertainment and income for pubs and registered clubs in GB.
“Generally speaking the types of games provided in these premises have controls designed to protect both the players and those providing the facilities to ensure that gaming remains ancillary to the main purpose of the pub or club.
“The Northern Ireland law is more restrictive in terms of gaming that may take place in licensed premises and registered clubs to the extent that poker or other games cannot be organised commercially here. As with other aspects of gambling, the law in this area is complex.
“The review presents an opportunity to consider whether, in principle, there should be an easing of the current restrictions to permit registered clubs and licensed premises here to offer poker, bingo and other equal chance games, subject to limits on stakes and prizes.”
The document also opens the door for future licensing of online gambling operators.
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