'It's long overdue' - Northern Ireland gambling laws set for significant reform

Betting shops in Northern Ireland are set to be boosted by new legislation that allows retail outlets to open on Sundays, a development welcomed by Brian Graham of leading bookmakers Sean Graham.

The move, which has the potential to clamp down on illegal gambling, comes as part of plans announced by communities minister Deirdre Hargey on Thursday to deliver "the first significant changes to gambling laws here in over 35 years".

In a proposed two-phased approach to bring gambling legislation up to date – currently structured on the 1985 Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements Order – premises-based gambling will first be addressed.

This will include – among other elements – the establishment of a mandatory code of practice for those holding gambling licences, creating powers to impose a statutory levy on gambling operators and allowing bookmakers and bingo clubs to open on Sundays and Good Friday.

The creation of new offences in relation to children and gaming machines, making gambling contracts enforceable in law and broadening the definition of cheating to include attempted cheating are also included.

'Gambling legislation has remained largely unchanged since it was enacted 35 years ago'

Phase two is said to require a longer timescale, featuring new regulatory framework to regulate online gambling, including gaming machines.

According to the minister's announcement, legislation will be introduced in the assembly "in the next few weeks".

"Gambling legislation has remained largely unchanged since it was enacted 35 years ago," said Hargey. "As a result, gambling regulation here has not kept pace with industry and technological changes. In my view, change is long overdue."

She added: "It is clear from our consultation that people are content for some of the existing legal constraints on gambling to be relaxed. But they also believe that government, the gambling industry and others need to do much more to prevent, control and combat problem gambling.

"The pragmatic approach I am taking will mean that we deliver some much needed change in the short term, while simultaneously ensuring that complex areas of regulation and online gambling are given the time and consideration they need."

Tanaiste Leo Varadkar places a bet with Sean Graham bookmakers at Kilbeggan in 2017Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

It remains unclear as to when exactly the changes will be implemented, but Brian Graham welcomed the move, believing it can clamp down on illegal gambling activity during periods when retail outlets are closed on Sundays.

"Ourselves and other bookmakers have been crying out about illegal gambling that's been happening in Northern Ireland," said Graham.

"There are so many major sporting events that take place on a Sunday, from Wimbledon finals to Premier League football, and feature racing meetings. This would also have driven people online because you couldn't have a bet in a betting shop."

He added: "In some ways, this will level the playing field and I think this is nothing but good news from as far as we're concerned."

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