Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2015
204. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if the Betting Bill 2015 will allow for the Irish Harness Racing Association to apply for a tote licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8955/15]
View answer205. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if his interpretation of the definition of a remote bookmaker, in the Betting Bill 2015, includes those who accept totalisator bets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8956/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 205 together.
The Betting (Amendment) Bill 2013 provides for the extension of the regulatory regime to all bookmakers and betting exchanges offering services in Ireland. The new regime will allow for the extension of Betting Duty to the remote sector and ensure that all businesses offering betting services from Ireland or to persons in Ireland are regulated appropriately. The Bill does not apply to the issue of Tote licenses which are comprehended by the Totalisator Act 1929. The Government has indicated that issues relating to the Tote should be brought within the scope of the Gambling Control legislation being prepared by the Minister for Justice and Equality.
With regard to the interpretation of remote bookmaker, the definition of remote bookmaker in the Betting (Amendment) Bill 2013 means "a person who carries out the business of bookmaking by remote means". As I already stated, the Bill makes no provision for the issue of a licence to operate a tote, such licenses are comprehended by the Totalisator Act 1929. However, I understand that some bookmakers may offer odds based on the results of the Tote (operated under license by HRI or Bord na gCon in the case of this jurisdiction) this is a one to one agreement between the bookmaker and the punter if the horse wins he will pay whatever odds are paid on the tote.
