Casino Boss Says Proposed New Limits Unfair To Smaller Operators

As the Government of Ireland debates the Gambling Regulation Bill, a casino industry figure has raised concerns that the proposed stake and win limits will unfairly discriminate against casinos and other businesses, potentially driving their customers towards the black market. Debbie Quirke, the Chief Executive of the Carlton Entertainment Group, which owns the Carlton Casino in Dublin, argues that the €10 bet limit and €3,000 win limit provisions do not reflect the realities of problem gambling.

The Gambling Regulation Bill, currently under consideration by the Oireachtas, includes provisions that would limit bets on gaming machines, live tables like blackjack and roulette, and lotteries to €10, with winnings capped at €3,000. Industry figures, including Ms. Quirke, contend that these measures unfairly target certain businesses, such as casinos, while exempting other forms of betting like sports betting and the National Lottery.

According to Ms. Quirke, the proposed limits discriminate against businesses like the Carlton Casino, as they do not apply to the National Lottery or sports betting, which are governed by separate legislation. She argues that this creates an uneven playing field, putting smaller operators at a significant disadvantage compared to larger industry players.

Ms. Quirke warns that the strict stake and win limits could have unintended consequences, potentially pushing more people towards the online sphere and unlicensed operators, where they could end up funding criminal activities. She believes that the measures do not adequately address the root causes of problem gambling, which she says are more prevalent in other forms of betting, such as online slot machines and casino gaming.

The casino executive also raises concerns about the level of communication and consultation between the Government and smaller industry players like herself. She claims that the Department of Justice’s engagement has focused primarily on larger industry players, leaving smaller businesses like the Carlton Casino feeling overlooked and underrepresented in the policymaking process.

Despite her criticisms, Ms. Quirke stresses that the Carlton Casino and other businesses in the industry support the overall aims of the Gambling Regulation Bill, recognizing the need for proper regulation of the industry. She highlights the casino’s efforts to identify and assist customers with gambling problems, including staff training, referrals for treatment, and strict self-exclusion policies.

The Department of Justice has acknowledged that the new Gambling Regulatory Authority, established by the Bill, will have the power to vary the proposed limits with the Minister’s consent. The department also noted that the limits are not entirely new, as they are a continuation of measures already in place under the 1956 Gaming and Lotteries Act, which was updated in 2019.

One of the key points raised by Ms. Quirke is that the Gambling Regulation Bill does not apply to the National Lottery, which is subject to its own regulator and legislation, the National Lottery Act 2013. This has led to concerns that the proposed limits create an uneven playing field, potentially favouring the National Lottery over other forms of gambling.

The Government has appointed Anne Marie Caulfield as the Chief Executive designate of the new Gambling Regulatory Authority, which will be responsible for overseeing the industry under the new legislation. This move is seen as a step towards more comprehensive regulation of the gambling sector in Ireland.