Let’s sort out our gambling laws and then lure in the high rollers

OFFICIALLY, gambling is a taboo subject in this country. Betting is a minority pursuit, as only 17% of adults wager more than once a week.

The totality of gaming and gambling includes on and off course horse and greyhound betting, all forms of online gaming, amusement arcades, casinos, Lotto, card games, bingo and local lotteries. Combined industry estimates suggest it could be worth €8bn annually to our economy.

For three decades politicians and mandarins have sat on their hands in relation to gambling policy regarding regulatory frameworks, competition, employment and taxation. Non-bettors take an attitude of moral disapproval to the business. Asking them to address pragmatic issues is akin to seeking the legalisation of brothels and prostitution.