Bookies say gaming machines still an option

Bookies say they are still considering trialling casino-style gaming machines in their shops, despite Government opposition.

The Irish Bookmakers' Association (IBA) has been looking at the possibility of introducing fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) on a trial basis to some of their shops.

But the Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell, warned this week that he, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and the Ministers for Finance and Sport are all opposed to the plan.

Mr McDowell declared that the terminals are illegal, and warned that they would be seized from any bookie who installs them.

The IBA responded yesterday with a statement saying it was "surprised" at the Minister's reaction.

A spokesman said the organisation was still considering carrying out the trials, but said no decision has been made yet. "No decision was made at any stage," he added.

The IBA statement pointed out that the organisation has always been open about the fact that it was considering the trials.

"It has taken legal advice, looked in depth at how the British government has handled similar issues over the last five years, and expressed its willingness to be patient in ensuring any trial is undertaken in a measured fashion," the statement said.

"We are unaware of the Department for Justice having considered fixed-odds betting terminals in any way. We believe that any political consideration of this matter has to be considered in the context of the Government's decision to legislate and regulate casinos. What we are looking for is a level playing field."

The association added that similar betting opportunities are already available to Irish people, particularly via the internet. The statement argued that the only difference in this case is that it is planning to trial the machines in licensed bookmakers.

The group said the trials were being carried out to establish if FOBTs have any "social implications".

"Evidence from Britain suggests that terminals have considerably less social implications than the national lottery," it said.

British chain Ladbrokes says in its annual report that, on average, each of its terminals won €800 a week from gamblers in 2005.

The terminals offer gamblers the chance to play casino-style games such as roulette and poker for small stakes. The odds are predetermined.