At least 11 new casinos have opened around the Republic in anticipation of Government moves to legalise and regulate these businesses.

Last August, Justice Minister Michael McDowell appointed a committee chaired by barrister Michael McGrath to look at ways of regulating the sector, which currently operates in a legal limbo.

According to the Gaming and Leisure Association of Ireland (Gala), which represents some existing casino clubs, an estimated 11 new casinos have opened their doors since August, prompted by the likelihood that they will soon be legalised.

This brings to 25 the number of casinos operating in the State.

Legal restrictions mean that existing casinos have to operate as private clubs that their customers have to join.

It is understood that a new regime will end this requirement and propose some other form of regulation.

The Gala spokesman said that, because of expectations that the current law would change, there was currently no policing of the sector at all, which left it open to new arrivals to ignore existing restrictions, as well as employment, health and safety and tax legislation.

"We're concerned that there's no protection for the public at the moment," he said.

Gala requires its members to comply fully with all relevant legislation, including tax law, and to meet high standards in health and safety.

The group made a submission to Mr McDowell's committee. Its spokesman said that the rush of new players into the business made the introduction of regulation more urgent.

The committee was due to report before the end of 2006. It is understood that it recently submitted a draft to the Minister, and it is now being finalised. A department spokeswoman said this would happen "shortly".

Once the Minister receives the report, it is likely that the Cabinet as a whole will look at the issue before the Government decides its next move.

The industry fears that the new regime will not be introduced ahead of the election later this year.