The Irish Bookmakers Association has revealed that the Betting Bill is now with the Attorney General, but is sweating on EU approval.
The group, which represents 70 per cent of bookmakers and independent providers, believes the retail betting sector is in severe decline, having witnessed the closure of 366 shops in the last six years, resulting in the loss of approximately 1700 staff. It has continuously lobbied politicians and government, warning that a further 500 jobs were at risk because of delays implementing the legislation, which would extend opening hours and reform the taxation system.
In a recent statement, the IBA noted that the Department of Finance has made several changes over the last four months which will extend the term for online licences to two years, and give Revenue Commissioners powers to ensure betting tax is paid by online operators.
Commenting on developments, Chairperson of the Irish Bookmakers Association, Sharon Byrne added: “If we receive approval by end of summer and get the final stage completed before end of September, that means the 500 part-time staff that are anxiously waiting for this legislation to prevent them from receiving their P45’s won’t have to worry any longer.”