Place your bets

I saw this earlier this week and thought it was hilarious.  The Irish bookmaker Paddy Power changed its name for President Barack Obama's recent visit to Ireland.  This particular retail betting location was in Dublin.  No news on what the odds are on Obama's re-election.

Personally, I don't like gambling.  I was surprised to find out that gambling is legal in Ireland.  Believe it or not, there are casinos all over the place.  Usually they are inside hotels at tourist destinations.  Now, it's not like Nevada where even the grocery stores have slot machines.  Ireland requires a business license for the specific purpose of being a "casino" or "gaming arcade."  The regulations are pretty strict:  Gambling establishments must enforce an age limit (minimum 18) with ID checking.  That explains why the local grocery store does not have slot machines:  Kids would not be allowed to come in if they did.

Another thing that separates Irish casinos from the Nevada ones is their policy on alcohol:  Irish casinos may not provide alcohol on the gaming floor.  In Nevada, you can be playing at a slot machine and a casino employee will come up and offer you a free drink.  Irish gaming law says that customers may not be given free alcohol.