Ireland plans to get tough with casino owners in a bid to crack down on money-laundering scams.

Applicants for new licenses will undergo in-depth criminal and financial background, if new proposals get the go-ahead. Their business dealings and tax history will also be put under the microscope as part of a drive to stop criminals from recycling the profits from drugs, prostitution and worse.

‘Get Things Right’

The government-appointed casino committee made 32 recommendations in its report — Gaming in Ireland — published yesterday, which will be picked apart by a cross-party committee over the summer.

Irish Justice Minister Dermot Ahern said he was anxious that Ireland get things right in relation to gaming and betting codes.