Ladbrokes calls on Irish government for 'urgent reform'

Betting firm Ladbrokes has called on the Irish government to make 'urgent reforms' of its betting sector, citing the need for such things as touch-screen 'in-play' betting terminals and extended opening hours. Joe Lewins, MD of Ladbrokes' Irish division, said that the company's expansion in the territory is dependent on the Government modernising the industry.  

"The 1931 legislation governing the sector isn’t fit to meet the challenges of emerging 21st century technologies, and this is leaving the sector unable to compete on a level playing field," Lewins said.

"The sector in Ireland is at a crossroads and any move by Government to remedy the current difficulties must take a holistic approach to reform. If these concerns are not urgently addressed, the sector will continue to struggle and this will have a negative impact on much-needed exchequer revenue and employment."

The British bookmaker operates more than 200 shops here and ranks second only to Paddy Power in the Irish market.