asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) relating to slot machines; if he will state the number of such machines in present use; the legislation under which they operate; and the type of premises licensed to operate them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Slot Machines.
30.
I have seen the newspaper report referred to. It consisted of pre-Budget speculation which clearly had no foundation in fact. Figures for the total number of slot machines in use at present are not available. I am satisfied, however, that the figure given in the newspaper report in question is grossly exaggerated.
The operation of slot machines is regulated by the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1956. Section 10 of that Act prohibits the operation of any slot machine that is "designed to deliver" a money prize when successfully operated. That section was for many years interpreted by district justices as allowing the use of machines which do not deliver prizes direct to the player, but in December 1968 the Supreme Court held that this interpretation was wrong and that, in effect, the section prohibits the operation of all slot machines that deliver prizes. As the Deputy may be aware, the Gaming and Lotteries Bill, 1969, which was recently passed by the Dáil and is now awaiting consideration by the Seanad, provides for the removal of this absolute prohibition and will permit of the operation of all types of slot machines, subject, however, to the general restrictions on gaming contained in the 1956 Act. The effect of those restrictions is that in general gaming may only be carried on in an area where the local authority has formally passed a resolution adopting the relevant provisions of the 1956 Act and then only in amusement halls and fun fairs licensed for the purpose on the authority of the district court. The maximum stake is 6d and the maximum prize 10s in each game.
Has the Minister information as to the estimated turnover of these machines annually?
No, I have not.
Would the Minister not agree that he ought to endeavour to get such an estimate in view of the fact that this is a form of gambling that is not taxed?
The takings from slot machines are subject to turnover tax and if the Deputy puts down a question to the Minister for Finance he may be able to give that information.
Is it the profit from these machines, the money taken by the proprietors, or is it the total turnover that is subject to turnover tax?
I assume it is the total turnover but that is a matter that I think the Deputy should address to the Minister for Finance.
Is it the intention to widen the scope of the use of these machines?
No.
Is that a definite statement?
Well, the Dáil recently passed a Bill which repeals section 10 of the 1956 Act. I am sure the Deputy is aware of that Bill.
Is it true that 600 of these machines were introduced in the Republic in the past four or five months?
I cannot give figures in respect of the last few months.
You may be a slot machine political party but by God you are gambling away now.
And they are all Taca men.