Ireland is unlikely to see a new gaming law before 2015.

Before the opening of the 2014 Irish Gaming Show, John Purcell, managing director of Purcell & Associates said that the bill is still in the draft stage. The bill was introduced last year by minister for justice Alan Shatter, but is still only a consultation paper until it is passed into law. 

The bill is currently being drafted, following responses to the consultation and new recommendations, but Purcell said that there is “physically no gap in the legislative calendar” for the bill to appear before lawmakers until spring 2015. He predicts that operators should not expect anything until late 2015 or 2023.

Ireland is aiming to introduce a new tax for remote gambling and sports betting operators. 

Ireland’s Minister for Finance Michael Noonan has drafted the framework for a new online betting tax scheme with an aim to raise €25m per year from foreign operators. The new bill would require remote bookmakers and betting exchanges to obtain a license in Ireland, no matter where they are physically located. 

Operators will have to pay tax on betting transactions made by players from Ireland. According to Noonan, part of the money raised by taxation would be ring fenced to aid the Irish bloodstock industry. 

“In recognition of the importance of the Irish bloodstock industry to the rural economy and the anticipated yield of €25m per annum from betting duty, the Government will be providing an additional €6m a year for three years to the fund for horse and greyhound racing. The Government is also allocating additional capital of €5m to Horse Racing Ireland in 2015 to leverage investment in race courses,” said Noonan. 

Irish bookmaker Paddy Power has commented: “We have worked closely with the authorities in Ireland on the Betting (Amendment) Bill — ensuring that there is a level playing pitch for all companies who operate in the Irish marketplace irrespective of whether they are based in Ireland or not.”

The Irish government has passed the new Gambling Act 2015 which will allow the country to implement new online gambling tax rules.

Last month, Irish Finance Minister Michael Noonan announced that the Act has been already passed to the country's president to be signed into law. Noonan has been trying to introduce the new law since he was chosen for the position of Finance Minister three years ago.

According to the new law, online casino, gaming and bingo services in Ireland will have to face a 1% tax on gross gaming revenue.

Online sports betting will be connected with a 15% net revenue rate, the same rate set by the UK Gambling Commission for providing services on the UK market.

Those gambling operators who wish to offer services in the country will be required to get a license which will last for two years.

Operators who did not apply a license and still offer services in Ireland will have to face a fine of up to €300,000.

Ireland plans to introduce the new law by August 1.

“The Betting Amendment Bill is just a first step in providing for a well regulated betting and gambling regime,” Noonon said in a statement.

“This Bill will allow for the regulation of those providing betting services by remote means to persons within the jurisdiction for the first time.

“This is a major step in the right direction. The implementation of the regulatory regime for remote operators will also allow for the extension of betting duty to these companies.”