Betting shops in Northern Ireland are set to be boosted by new legislation that allows retail outlets to open on Sundays, a development welcomed by Brian Graham of leading bookmakers Sean Graham.

The move, which has the potential to clamp down on illegal gambling, comes as part of plans announced by communities minister Deirdre Hargey on Thursday to deliver “the first significant changes to gambling laws here in over 35 years”.

In a proposed two-phased approach to bring gambling legislation up to date – currently structured on the 1985 Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements Order – premises-based gambling will first be addressed.

This will include – among other elements – the establishment of a mandatory code of practice for those holding gambling licences.