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Irish Finance Minister Led Cabinet Calls for Justice Minister to Scrap Casinos Ban24 July 2006DUBLIN, Ireland -- As reported by the Sunday Business Post: "Minister for Finance Brian Cowen was at the forefront of cabinet opposition to legislation banning casinos, which sparked the u-turn by justice minister Michael McDowell, according to sources. "Under pressure from cabinet ministers, McDowell last week amended his proposals to close casinos in favour of regulation of the industry. "It is understood that Cowen believes that casino activity, if properly regulated, could lend itself to the imposition of betting duty. In his budget speech last year, the minister highlighted his intention to explore options for widening the base on which betting duty might apply. Casinos are illegal under the 1956 Gambling and Lotteries Act, but they get around the legislation by operating as private members' clubs. Up to 20 such clubs operate in Dublin. "...However, after last week's robust cabinet meeting, McDowell said he would establish a working group to draw up legislation for 'the strict regulation of casino-style operations within the state'. "...According to sources, Cowen led the charge against McDowell's plans, arguing that banning casinos would drive them underground. He said they should be regulated through licensing, with a levy payable to the exchequer..." |