Ireland approves EUR 5 maximum stake for gambling machines

Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan brought to Cabinet a series of proposals that scale back the increases set out earlier in the year. Those representing people with gambling addictions had expressed concern about the previous proposals.

Earlier proposed changes to the Gaming and Lotteries Act of 1956 would have increased the maximum allowable stake from three cents to €10 and the prize limits from 50 cents to €750, the Irish Times reports.

The limits have not been changed since 1956, and the Government has argued they are in need of modernization.

The changes are being piloted by David Stanton, the Minister of State in the Department of Justice.

“Modifying stake and prize amounts is the only current role of the Minister for Justice and Equality with regard to gaming machines,” the Department of Justice said. “The proposal had been to raise these amounts to €10 and €750 respectively.

“However, during the Dáil committee stage debate on July 10th, 2019 on the modernization of the stake and prize amounts, some Deputies felt that the proposed amounts were excessive. The Minister of State undertook to consider the matter and now proposes €5 and €500.”