Regulation Needed For Online Lottery - FG

Operators of the National Lottery have been invited to appear before the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service ahead of the roll-out of the Lotto online.

Following the launch of an advertising campaign by the National Lottery promoting that people can now play online, Fine Gael Senator for Kerry, Paul Coghlan, made the call saying: "I am very concerned about the possible consequences of making the Lotto readily available online while a National Lottery Regulator has yet to be appointed.

"I am all for advances in technology but the National Lottery has mass appeal and it is a form of gambling that is deemed more socially acceptable than others.

"Many may see it as harmless fun but the reality is that the Lotto is still gambling, and we must be fully conscious of the possible consequences and implications of online gaming formats.

"While playing the National Lottery on a mobile phone or iPad may be no more than a handy option for some, there are others who are more vulnerable, and for whom the ease of access to this type of gambling can be very dangerous.

"Earlier this year the Government sold the licence to operate the National Lottery and a requirement of the National Lottery Act 2013 required that a regulator be appointed. It is concerning that the new formats of games are being rushed out in the absence of this National Lottery Regulator.

"We, as legislators, need to be assured that the new operator of the National Lottery has regard for the common good and that a focus on maximum returns from the substantial investment made, does not inhibit this.

"It is important that new technology is used in a way that is responsible and in a way that balances the pursuit of profit with the protection of the public.

"I believe that the new operators of the National Lottery should come before the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service to outline their values, plans and priorities as we go through this transition. The urgency for this is even greater now, given the rush to secure maximum online penetration before a National Lottery Regulator is formally established."

(MH/JP)