I am also moving that the Dáil agree with the Seanad in this amendment. It meets the point that was raised in the Dáil and raised with more emphasis in the Seanad. The object of it is to prevent the absolutely free circulation of football coupons by bookmakers. On the other hand it does not meet the position as it was before the Betting Bill was introduced when coupon betting was illegal. It provides that bookmakers may get coupons printed and may distribute them in their own premises, but they are prohibited from distributing them wholesale. I think it meets as well as can be met the various points of view that have been put up.
In Committee on Finance. - Betting Bill, 1930.—From the Seanad.
The following amendments from the Seanad were agreed to:
1. Section 6. All after the word "in" in line 49 deleted down to the end of paragraph (j) and the words "the foregoing paragraphs of this section" substituted therefor.
2. Section 20, sub-section (5). After the word "race" in line 14 the words "on that day" inserted.
3. Section 20, sub-section (5). After the word "race" in line 16 the words "on that day" inserted.
4. Section 20, sub-section (5). All after the word "proprietor" in line 19 deleted down to the end of the sub-section and the words "in relation to a race run on that day at such race-meeting" substituted therefor.
5. Section 30, sub-section (1). After the words "Gárda Síochána" in line 50 the words "in uniform" inserted.
6. Section 30, sub-section (1). The word "twenty" deleted in line 53 and the word "five" substituted therefor.
7. Section 30, sub-section (1). The word "two" deleted in line 55 and the word "one" substituted therefor.
8. Section 30, sub-section (2). After the words "Gárda Síochána" in line 56 the words "in uniform" inserted. (Minister for Finance).
Amendment 9.
New section. Before Section 32 a new section inserted as follows:—
32.—(1) Save as is otherwise provided by this section, it shall not be lawful for any person to write, print, publish or knowingly circulate any advertisement, circular or coupon advocating or inviting or otherwise relating to betting on football games or knowingly to cause or procure, or attempt to cause or procure, any such advertisement, circular or coupon to be written, printed, published or circulated.
(2) Nothing in this section shall render it unlawful for the registered proprietor of registered premises to have and distribute in such premises any advertisement, circular or coupon relating to the business of bookmaking carried on in such premises (whether in respect of football games or any other event) or for any person to write or print any such advertisement, circular, or coupon for such registered proprietor.
(3) Every person who does any act which is a contravention of this section shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof, in the case of a first offence, to a fine not exceeding twenty-five pounds or to imprisonment for any term not exceeding one month and, in the case of a second or any subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding one hundred pounds or to imprisonment for any term not exceeding three months.
In view of the fact that the proposed new section gives the bookmaker leave to issue these coupons in his own premises rather than to circulate them, is it necessary to repeal the Ready Money Football Betting Act?
That Act prohibited the use of coupons and it was repealed. This new section we are putting in is less stringent.
Amendment agreed to.
Ordered: That a Message be sent to the Seanad accordingly.