An age limit of 18-years-old is to be put in place across all forms of gambling under new legislation in Ireland. The Irish cabinet approved the new Courts and Civil Liabilities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill that provides a modernisation of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956. The current law only regulates gaming at carnivals, circuses, amusement halls, arcades, funfairs, as well as lotteries and raffles at sporting and entertainment events. However, those aged 16 can enter an amusement hall or arcade, which may contain slot machines. Under the approved legislation, a uniform gambling age limit has been set to 18, as…

Two Irish boxers have been questioned over betting activities at this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) confirmed the news in a statement, saying that the pair were being spoken to about “inappropriate betting activity”, but did not disclose the identity of the boxers in question. Although it is not illegal for athletes or officials to place bets at the Games, it is against the rules of governing body the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The OCI added in its statement: “The matter is still under review so there will be no further…

Irish independent bookmaker Boylesports has been granted permission to launch a challenge over Ladbrokes’ plans to restructure its business in Ireland, amidst talk of a possible takeover bid for the operation. As reported by iGaming Business, Boylesports last month was linked with a bid for Ladbrokes Ireland after the latter announced it was to undertake a review of its operations in the country following heavy losses in 2014. Ladbrokes has been working with High Court-appointed examiner Ken Fennel on a rescue plan that could lead to the closure of up to 60 of its betting shops in the country, which…