Will Belfast Be Able To Operate Casinos Soon Legally?
There is no gambling in Northern Ireland. The Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements order was passed in 1985. It is an outdated law that has no influence on the public. Since 1985 there has been only one attempt to overhaul the law. There was a plea by over forty organisations to update the outdated laws.
The current law regarding gambling in Northern Ireland is not being changed fundamentally. The proposed amendments to the current gambling laws would allow minors to play legal gambling games and expand the definition of cheating. The current conservative laws have left many Irish people scratching their heads. They are relieved that there is one less vice available to their friends. It is also surprising that the amendments would let bingo halls and bookies operate on holy days like Good Friday and Sundays.
There are calls to establish an independent regulatory body to watch over the shifts and the industry in Northern Ireland. Almost four hundred enterprises have responded YES to the question. 60% of respondents expressed the view that land-based casinos should be allowed to operate in the province.
Northern Irish gamblers can play online casinos anywhere but Northern Ireland. Online gambling has grown in leaps and bounds over the last decade. There are thousands of online casino games to choose from. It's better to operate within the bounds of the law and work within Northern Irish system for gambling.
Belfast will not be able to operate casinos soon. For the foreseeable future, people of Northern Ireland will have to stick to online casinos or a game of bingo.