Ireland could cash in on USA online gambling ban

Ireland could cash in on USA online gambling ban According to a government committee in Ireland, the country could only benefit from reforms in the gambling law, as well as the USA online gambling ban. The country's Casino Committee said that the current gambling laws in Ireland (which prohibit casinos) should be liberalized, all this while taking an advantage from the USA online gambling ban, which forced many online casinos and sports betting websites to look for a new place of business. "The recent United States prohibition of payment mechanisms for gambling online, presents a window of opportunity for Ireland... Should this opportunity be grasped within the appropriate timescale, Ireland, as a gaming friendly centre of excellence, can reasonably expect to attract a reasonable portion of this dynamic industry," the Casino Committee said on Thursday.

The economic boom in Ireland derives mainly from the ability of the E.U. country to attract foreign investors, especially in the IT sphere. A low corporate tax has also helped. The committee did agree that online gambling, if legalized in Ireland, should be closely monitored and controlled in order to prevent minors from gambling, as well as curbing gambling addiction. The Casino Committee also recommended that casino games and sports betting be kept separate.

Published on 07/10/2008