asked the Minister for Justice the number of gaming (slot) machines licensed for use in the country at present; the estimated amount being gambled on these machines annually; the amount returned in prize money; and if he is satisfied that the public are not being exploited unduly.
Written Answers. - Gaming Machines.
430.
Under the provisions of the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1956 a licence permitting gaming at an amusement hall or funfair (a gaming licence) is granted by the Revenue Commissioners on foot of a certificate granted by the courts. In addition under the provisions of the Finance Act, 1975, the holder of a gaming licence must have a gaming machine licence in respect of all gaming machines to be operated on the premises, which licence is also granted by the Revenue Commissioners.
I understand from the Commissioners that 398 gaming licences and 583 gaming machine licences were granted by them in 1981 — the latest year for which figures are available and as yet these figures are only provisional. I also understand from the Commissioners that it is not possible to readily compute the number of gaming machines covered by these licences as a licence can cover one machine or a number of machines and can be granted for varying periods such as a week-end, three months, six months, etc.
There is no data available to me which would indicate the amount of money being gambled on these machines or the amounts returned in prize money.