May
23rd

Ireland Introduces License System for Online Gambling

It will soon be necessary for overseas gaming operators to apply for a license in order to provide services in the Republic of Ireland due to the fact that this country is introducing a license system in order to tax and control online gambling in the country. Ireland has now become the latest in an increasing number of European countries who are taking such a step.

Ireland feels that be introducing this new licensing system it will secure funding for the country’s racing industry.

Brian Cowen, the current Taoiseach (prime minister) of Ireland spoke to RTE, Ireland’s National Television and Radio Broadcasting Company and reported that the new licensing system would have the added benefit of facilitating the extension of the tax regime for the betting industry to all those providing online and telephone betting and in the process support funding for the racing industry.

Cowen added that “Such betting must be brought within the tax net, not just because it will increase revenue, but also because it will mean that those currently not contributing to securing the future of important indigenous industries will now make that contribution.”

There are many who criticize the idea of a licensing system as they feel that it will miss its intended target.

Patrick Kennedy, chief executive of Paddy Power, made a report in the Irish Times that he was of the opinion that banning operators without a license from advertising would not have much impact as most of the online gaming companies do their customer and marketing acquisitions online.

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