McDowell vows to close down ‘members’ club’ casinos

CASINOS will be banned in Ireland under legislation being brought forward by Justice Minister Michael McDowell.

Yesterday, he said up to 20 casino-style establishments were now in operation in Dublin under the guise of members’ clubs. These clubs are unlawful, he asserted.

However, the minister said it was difficult to bring prosecutions against them under the current laws because of difficulties in gathering and presenting evidence.