The Gaming and Lotteries Act is 50 years old this year. The Act was originally designed to protect Irish consumers from the dangers of slot machines, casinos and unscrupulous lotteries. However, 50 years on, its scope continues to inhibit bona fide sales promotions, while being largely ignored in practice by an emerging Irish casino industry.
This article will contrast how the scope of the Gaming and Lotteries Act can inhibit common forms of sales promotion, while the emergence of the internet has largely eliminated the practical application of the legislation in protecting individuals from the supposed evils of casinos and unlawful gaming.
