Unfair Dismissal of Casino Worker Upheld by WRC

_{Workplace Relations Commission ruled against Roma Casino in Limerick for the unfair dismissal of Thomas O’Dwyer. (Image: Courtesy of Roma)}

A casino worker in the Republic of Ireland has been awarded over €3,000 by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) after being unfairly dismissed from his job at the Roma Casino in Limerick City.  

Thomas O'Dwyer’s employment was terminated in May 2024 when he was accused of helping a gambler exploit slots software glitch that allowed the customer to withdraw hundreds of euros they had not won.

The casino management claimed O'Dwyer facilitated the error but admitted there was no proof he benefitted from it.

The WRC found that the casino, PGA Tour Ltd, violated the Unfair Dismissals Act of 1977 by failing to follow fair procedures during O'Dwyer's dismissal process, including denying him proper representation.  

Adjudicator Peter O'Brien noted that the evidence against O'Dwyer was inconclusive and criticised the employer for using third-party investigators without agreement, which contradicted O'Dwyer's employment contract.  

Ultimately, O'Dwyer was awarded €3,129 for his unfair dismissal, a reduction from the €6,258 he had initially sought for the weeks he was out of work.