Proposals to lift the Sunday betting ban at racecourses in Northern Ireland were announced by the British government today.
Northern Ireland minister Mr Des Browne said the lifting of the ban was part of a "modest package" of changes that would bring betting and gaming law more closely into line with the rest of Britain.
"Racing on Sunday is already allowed and I know racegoers and other racing interests will welcome the opportunity of on-course Sunday betting," he said.
However, the minister made clear there was no plan to allow bookmakers shops in the North to open on a Sunday - as they have done in Britain and the Republic for years.
Bookmakers welcomed the announcement but there was scepticism about whether the legislation would ever be enacted.
Mr Adrian Eastwood, of Eastwood Bookmakers, said identical proposals had been made by a previous Northern Ireland minister six years ago but effectively shelved when responsibility for the legislation was passed to the Stormont Assembly.
He said if the minister really wanted to see the changes introduced he should press ahead and put the legislation through the House of Commons before the Assembly is reinstated.
PA