Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 November 2021
356. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if a business (details supplied) is regarded as a casino for the purposes of Covid-19 restrictions which were not permitted to open during Covid-19; the exact date that casinos were entitled to reopen under public health guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53789/21]
View answerThe closure of premises involving a wide range of business activities was mandated a matter of public safety in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. These included licensed bookmakers under the Betting Acts 1931-2015 and activities permitted or licensed under the Gaming and Lotteries Acts 1956-2019.
For the Deputy’s information, I am informed by the Minister for Justice that there is no pathway for the licensing of casinos in the Gaming and Lotteries Acts or any other legislation. A number of Private Members Clubs exist, which self-designate as casinos.
The restriction on the operation of Private Members Clubs (howsoever described) where gaming (within the meaning of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 (No. 2 of 1956)) is carried on exclusively amongst members of the Private Member's Club and is the primary purpose of such Private Members' club, was removed by SI 452 of 2021 which came into force on 6 September 2021.
