The Government, on 10 January, 2018, approved the updating of the 2013 General Scheme of the Gambling Control Bill. The proposed updating follows on from the review work undertaken in the Department of Justice and Equality over the past year and consultations with interested stakeholders. Changes to the Scheme will be subject to further consultations with the Office of the Attorney General and other relevant Departments.
In the context of reviewing and updating the General Scheme, I received Government approval to establish a Working Group, chaired by myself, comprising all stakeholder Departments, relevant Offices and the Office of the Attorney General. The Working Group had its first meeting in February 2018 and continues to meet. I hope that the Group can submit a final report to Government on its work in mid to late 2018.
It would be my intention to bring forward a revised General Scheme for approval by Government as soon as possible thereafter.