Casino Owner in Dublin Voices Concerns Over Persistent Criminal Activity

Debbie Lawrence, the CEO of Carlton Casino in Dublin, has raised alarms regarding the ongoing issues with criminal elements plaguing her establishment on O'Connell Street for the past decade. Lawrence reported that she has been documenting instances of violence faced by casino security since April 2023.

Over the course of less than a year, Lawrence highlighted more than 25 incidents of drug use within the casino premises, alongside 25 thefts and ten instances of "financial crimes," where individuals attempted to abscond with others' winnings. On one occasion, an unarmed individual entered the casino during the day, accompanied by two others wielding machetes.

Frustrated by the situation, the casino director has reported these incidents to the police. The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithi de Roiste, has expressed support for an increased police presence in the city center, particularly around the targeted casino, to address these ongoing security concerns.