Mr. Michael McGrath, BCL MA MCI Arb, Chairman, Irish Casino Regulation Committee

Mr. McGrath is one of Irelands leading experts on licensing law and as such was appointed as Chairman of the Irish Casino Regulation Committee by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in August, 2006. Mr. McGraths remit included exploring the possibilities for a legislative basis for the strict regulation of casino-style operations in the State. The report from the Casino committee was recently published to highlight the recommnedations in the form of regulation, the functions and powers of a regulatory body, the licensing system, codes of practice etc. as well as exploring the roles of local authorities and the requirements of the Financial Action Task Force. The Committee comprised of representatives of the Department of Finance, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism, the Revenue Commissioners, the Garda Siochana and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Mr. Peter Hannibal, Group eGaming Director, The Gala Coral Group

Mr. Hannibal is a Group Director of the Gala Coral Group (GCG). The GCG is the only UK operator to offer a full range of online and offline gambling opportunities in the UK – Coral Bookmakers, Gala Bingo clubs and Gala Casinos.  The Gala Coral Group employs over 19,000 people across its various trading divisions. In addition, the Group has a growing international business which not only includes the online Eurobet brand, but also has a newly established land-based betting shop business in Italy. The Group is proud to be the first gambling company to have received full GamCare accreditation across all its UK divisions. The Group focuses on high volume and low stake gambling.  It operates almost 1,600 licensed betting offices, 157 bingo clubs, 29 casinos, 2 Greyhound stadia, a UK telephone betting business and a thriving online gambling business.  In addition, the Group is active in exploring opportunities in the international market and has recently set up a land-based business in Italy which currently has licenses to operate 360 outlets of which almost 80% are open.

Mr. Geoffrey Godbold OBE, Chief Executive Officer, GamCare

Mr.Godbold comes from a background in business management. He ran his own business development and communications consultancy for 25 years working on such accounts as the Motor Show and Yves Saint Laurent Perfumes. He then specialised in the management and development of third sector organisations – hospitals, schools and charities introducing business disciplines and structures. He joined GamCare in February 06. GamCare, a registered charity, has become the leading authority on the provision of counselling, advice and practical help in addressing the social impact of gambling in the UK. GamCare takes a non-judgemental approach to gambling. We do not wish to restrict the choices or opportunities for anyone to operate or engage in gambling opportunities that are available legally and operated responsibly.

Mr. Norman Crowley, Group CEO, Inspired Gaming Group

Norman Crowley is Group Co-Chief Executive, and a founder of Inspired Broadcast Networks. Prior to founding Inspired, Mr Crowley was founder and CEO of Trinity 23 Commerce. Trinity 23 Commerce was founded in 1995 and was one of Europe’s first e-services firms. In May 1999, Mr Crowley successfully sold the majority of the business to Eircom Plc. Mr Crowley then oversaw the handover of the business to a new management team. Prior to founding Trinity 23 Commerce, Mr Crowley was head of operations for BG Turnkey (one of the first turnkey vendors in the world). Mr Crowley was responsible for fulfilment of global rollouts for Microsoft and Computer Associates and in particular the successful procurement, build and delivery of all MS Office software worldwide. Mr Crowley left following the successful sale of the company in 1994. Inspired Gaming Group plc (INGG) is the leading player worldwide in the Open Server-Based Gaming (Open SBG™) market and is also the leading provider of analogue and Open SBG™ machines in the UK for the leisure and gaming markets. The Group provides Open SBG™ software systems and Open SBG™ digital and networked terminals in ten countries today. The Group manages over 82,000 machines across the UK, with half of these now connected through Inspired’s Open Server-Based Gaming platform, OGAPI. The Group also has over 15,000 machines connected to its network overseas.

Mr. Rob Corbet, Partner, Arthur Cox Solicitors

Mr. Corbet's practice is primarily focused on technological innovation. He has particular experience in data protection, advising many of Ireland's largest companies in this area. He is also a leading adviser in the area of sports, betting and gaming where he advises many significant players, both domestic and international. Rob has been widely published on IT, IP and related matters both domestically and internationally. He is a leading author and lecturer on technology law in the Law Society of Ireland. Arthur Cox is one of Ireland's largest law firms, with a total headcount in excess of 550. The main office is in Dublin and there are also offices in Belfast, London and New York. The practice encompasses all aspects of corporate and business law - with particular expertise in mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance. The firm’s reputation is based on proven professional skills, a thorough understanding of client requirements, sound judgment and a practical approach to resolving commercial problems.

 

Mr. John Purcell, Managing Partner, Purcell & Associates

Purcell & Associates are a leading consultancy firm providing independent professional services with market proven expertise in gaming, self service technologies and general management consultancy. A client focussed technology and management consultancy firm based in Cork, Ireland, P&A focus on technology and management consultancy services for all organisations requiring an independent, professional analysis of their operations and a clinical approach to implementing the recommendations of such analyses. Clients of P&A include some of the world's market leading bookmakers, casinos, lottery companies, bingo operators, adult gaming centres and online/mobile gaming providers.

Mr. Tom Kavanagh CBE, Deputy Chief Executive, UK Gambling Commission

The Gambling Commission was set up under the Gambling Act 2005 and was formally established in October 2005. It has taken over the role previously played by the Gaming Board for Great Britain in regulating casinos, bingo, gaming machines and lotteries. The Commission also has responsibility for the regulation of betting and remote gambling, as well as helping to protect children and vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling. The Commission is also responsible for advising local and central government on issues related to gambling.

Other speakers to be added as soon as biographical information has been received.