The Communities Minister of Northern Ireland, Deirdre Hargey, has been charged with overhauling the country’s gaming laws for the first time in 35 years.
Among the changes she has called for is a Mandatory Code of Practice to be added to the 1985 Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements Bill.
In September, the territorial assembly approved her “first phase amendments.” They will update laws on the operation of gaming premises, including operating hours; impose penalties for allowing minors to enter a gaming operation or play; establish a “mandatory code of practice” for those with gaming licenses; and broaden what is considered cheating. Another amendment would allow bookmakers and bingo clubs to operate on Sundays and Good Friday.
The minister commented, “I am planning to make compliance with the code a condition of the license … I am determined to drive up standards in the industry and make operators take greater responsibility for the harm caused to some customers.”
