3.1. The Government approved the establishment of a Working Group, chaired by the Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality. The Group comprised all Departments with responsibility or involvement in gambling activities, the Office of the Attorney General and An Garda Siochana to review the provisions of the 2013 General Scheme and assist in the development of the future licensing and regulatory approach for the gambling industry. The Working Group met formally on six occasions between February 2018 and January 2019.

4.1. The main issues discussed by the Group, having regard to its mandate to examine the provisions of the 2013 Scheme and to make recommendations for an improved Gambling Control Bill having taking into account relevant developments since, are summarised. For the purposes of this Report, the term “gambling” is construed as encompassing all gaming, lottery and betting activities currently available in the State.