Northern Ireland

Consultation opens on changes to 'outdated' Northern Ireland gambling legislation

Taxpayers and the gambling industry have been invited to give their views on `the effectiveness' of the current legislation. Picture by Daniel Hambury/PA Wire
Taxpayers and the gambling industry have been invited to give their views on `the effectiveness' of the current legislation. Picture by Daniel Hambury/PA Wire Taxpayers and the gambling industry have been invited to give their views on `the effectiveness' of the current legislation. Picture by Daniel Hambury/PA Wire

"OUTDATED" Northern Ireland gambling legislation could be overhauled after the Department for Communities (DfC) launched a public consultation on its future.

Taxpayers and the gambling industry have been invited to give their views on "the effectiveness" of the current legislation as the department considers "changes which should be included in any new gambling legislation".

Launching the consultation yesterday, permanent secretary Tracy Meharg described the industry as "an important employer in Northern Ireland".

"Gambling is an activity which is enjoyed responsibly by a large number of people," she said.

"However it is very important to recognise that for some people, gambling has the potential to cause considerable harm.

"Any future changes to the law must balance the interests of the gambling industry with the need for regulation to protect vulnerable people."

She said the legislation is "outdated and has not kept pace with industry and technological changes".

Ms Meharg said the results of the consultation will "put the department in a position to offer the best advice to an incoming minister on the future regulatory framework" and encouraged everyone interested to contribute.

The consultation period will run until February 21.