The long awaited Irish Casino Committee Report (the Report) appears to be finally nearing publication and may be published within the next few weeks.

It is understood following our conversation with a spokesperson in the Irish Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform that the Irish Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Brian Lenihan was ready to publish the Report and formally announce the establishment of an informal all party committee charged with the review of the Report. However, the recent announcement, by An Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister), Bertie Ahern that he is to step down as Taoiseach and as leader of Fianna Fáil on 6 May 2008 has resulted in a slight delay in the publication of the Report. Brian Cowen, the current Minister for Finance and Tánaiste (Irish Deputy Prime Minister), will be elected Taoiseach on 6 May 2008. As with any Taoiseach's election, there will be a re-shuffle of certain ministries and it is currently unclear whether Minister Lenihan will remain in his current post. Until that reshuffle is announced, it is unlikely that the Report will be published.

The Irish Casino Committee was tasked with preparing a report on the regulation of casino style operations in Ireland. However, it is expected that the Report will cover many different areas of gaming and gambling in Ireland including fixed odds betting terminals and internet gambling. The informal all party committee which the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform will soon announce is expected to be given broader terms of reference. We understand that the position has shifted from "how best to regulate casinos in Ireland" to "how best to regulate gaming and gambling in Ireland".

If this is the case, this new position is very much to be welcomed. The main legislation in Ireland governing gaming and gambling has not been substantially overhauled since the middle of the last century. It does not address modern technological developments. Attempting to navigate and interpret such legislation is difficult and indeed frustrating for both existing operators and new operators considering entering the Irish marketplace. No doubt, clarity on the area will be welcomed by all in the industry. However, it looks like the timetable for progress is somewhat uncertain for the moment.

For further information please contact Áine Matthews or Deirdre Kilroy
of the Gaming and Gambling Unit.

April 2008.