According to Ireland’s Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners  collected over €1 million (US$1.15 million) in taxes in 2017 as a result of a crackdown on casinos that were offering unlicensed gambling machines. The increase came as those operations were forced to go legitimate and seek licenses, resulting in a significant jump in the number of licenses issued in 2017.

In 2016, 6,088 machines were licensed, giving the Revenue office €1.8 million (US$ 2.07 million) in tax money. The number skyrocketed last year to 9,612, resulting in €2.7 million (US$3.11 million) being collected.

The Revenue office launched a national project last year that focused on the amusement and gaming machine sector. That project has resulted in a significant amount of locations being sent enforcement letters, advising them to either remove their machines or face seizures and fines.

A representative for the Office of Revenue Commissioners indicated that there had been over 300 “interventions” as a result of the project in response to a lack of compliance with regulations. Thanks to the interventions, more than €1.1 million (US$1.27 million) was collected. According to the representative, the Revenue office is “alert to, and proactive in addressing, the risks posed by the gaming and amusement sector.” He further stated, “Using a range of compliance interventions the project, which is operating on a national basis, has achieved a significant increase in tax and licensing compliance.”