Renewed call to open Gambling Regulator office in Gorey
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Back in 2008 then councillor, Malcolm Byrne, called upon the government to locate the planned Gaming Commission in Gorey. At the time the-then Minister for Justice Michael McDowell had committed to establishing the Gaming Commission in Gorey, with the creation of up to 30 new jobs. Now, some 13 years later, Senator Byrne is asking the government of today to once more consider Gorey as a viable location for what would now be the Office of the Gambling Regulator.
ork is currently underway on the drafting of a Gambling Bill to reform the regulation of gambling activities and to provide for an independent Gambling Regulator in Ireland. The Department of Justice’s Statement of Strategy 2021-2023 sets out the commitment to establish a gambling regulator focused on public safety and wellbeing, covering gambling online and in person, and the powers to regulate advertising, gambling websites and apps.
“Gorey has never been host to a decentralised government department or agency. Former Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell, did suggest back in 2007 that Gorey would be the venue whenever the gambling regulatory office was established,” said Senator Byrne. “The legislation has been continually delayed even though it is urgent and I think it really important that it is enacted soon as we currently have a wild west situation in operation. I also view it as essential that local authorities will continue to have a role in determining what gambling or betting premises can open in their administrative areas."
Key to Senator Byrne’s argument is the belief that there is need for administrative hubs outside of the capital and that Gorey fulfils all the criteria required for such a hub.
“Gorey is ideally situated with its proximity to Dublin, skilled local workforce and access to fibre optic broadband,” he said. “North Wexford does not host a government agency and I believe that as part of the Government’s commitment to balanced regional development and remote working, having the base for the new and very important Office of the Gambling Regulator in Gorey will be significant. We need to build on our reputation as a tech focused and creative community and hosting such a regulator, particularly as the office will be significantly focused on online betting, will add to that.”
Having contacted An Taoiseach Micheál Martin regarding the issue, Senator Byrne was informed of the Government’s plans to publish the “general scheme” of the Gambling Bill in Q3 of this year. The Taoiseach then wrote that “given the size, complexity and technological development of the modern gambling industry and having regard to the current outdated and complex arrangements, it will be important that the regulator will be established on a strong footing and adequately resourced to carry out this important task.”
However, the Taoiseach would not be drawn on the potential location of the offices, saying “it should be noted the Government has yet to decide on this. I hope you can appreciate that it will be a matter for Government to determine this and other establishment issues at the appropriate time.”
