Horse-racing punters will have the right to key information under a mandatory code of practice for on-course bookmakers announced yesterday by the Minister for Sport, Mr O'Donoghue.
Developed by Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and the Irish National Bookmakers' Association (INBA), the code sets out standards for bookmakers at race courses.
It includes a requirement that bookmakers display the minimum bet and guaranteed liability they will accept.
From January, punters must also be issued with a printed ticket for all bets displaying specified information about the bet as well as the contact details of Horse Racing Ireland.
The code also requires bookmakers to show whether each-way betting is accepted, and to price up the odds on offer no later than the public address announcement that the horses are leaving the parade ring.
Where a bet is disputed, the bookmaker must inform the customer of his or her right to refer it to the HRI levy department.
Mr O'Donoghue, speaking on day two of Listowel's Harvest Festival of Racing, said the introduction of printed tickets would benefit both punters and bookmakers. "The on-course bookmaker has for many years been the backbone of the betting industry, and has very much added to the colour and enjoyment of a day at the races."
HRI chief executive Mr Brian Kavanagh said that for many racegoers betting with a bookmaker was a central part of the enjoyment of a day's racing.
The code was also welcomed by the chairman of the INBA, Mr David Power."Anything that improves customer service is good news, and most of the points in the code of practice represent what is currently best practice amongst bookmakers."