State faces multi-million euro claims by gamblers

THE Government faces a multi-million euro class action by gambling addicts who claim their lives were ruined by the State’s failure to ban people under 18-years-old from betting at race tracks.

A Waterford firm of solicitors last night confirmed it is building a case and has received a good response from potential claimants who have suffered from their gambling addiction.

The suits hinge on the Government's failure to fix a legal age limit to prevent youngsters placing bets with State-run Totalisator better known as the Tote at greyhound and horse racing tracks.

The firm of MW Keller & Son has produced an eight-page booklet outlining a major lawsuit. The class action is similar to army deafness claims and the cases against tobacco companies.

Lawyers believe gambling victims have grounds for action against the State. By contrast to the Tote, the State has fixed a limit of 18 years of age on punters placing bets in both bookie shops and at racecourses.

The firm of solicitors says it has evidence of people who developed their ruinous gambling habits from placing bets as young as eight-years-old at racetrack Totes, which are State-owned and run.

Their booklet states that the 18-year age-limit on bookies strengthens the grounds for successful claims. It also speculates that a court might extend the six-year statute of limitations, which could limit adults taking claims only up to the age of 24, since judges can date the six-year limit from the time a person realised they had been wronged.

MW Keller & Son is taking the case on a no foal, no fee basis. However, their eight-page booklet outlines certain charges if the action is successful and a form is attached allowing claimants to sign up to those terms.

One of the solicitors involved, Mark Keller, last night confirmed the firm had received a number of interested inquiries.

Mr Keller said the Government should introduce an age limit for Tote betting.

"I believe the Government may have derogated from its obligation to protect children who may not have had parental guidance and in some circumstances that has had a detrimental effect in later life," Mr Keller said.

Senior Government sources said they were aware of the potential action which is being tracked by their legal services. One official indicated that there is a potential for multi-million euro claims on a scale comparable with similar actions in the US.