New law urged to tackle betting in Ireland

Ireland must draw up strict new gambling laws due to fears the sector is being used for money laundering and that ordinary people are losing a combined €5bn on bets every year.

Unaligned Independent TD Maureen O Sullivan made the comment yesterday, saying the existing laws are failing to ensure casinos, slot machine halls, online sites and private members clubs are fully licensed and crime-free.

Speaking during the latest Dáil leaders questions debate, the Dublin Central TD said despite the fact there has been anti-betting legislation and regulations in place since 1931 they are now “outdated” and “do not take account” of modern-day gambling.