Compliance consultant Liam Sloyan has been appointed the National Lottery's first ever regulator, a position that may eventually evolve into the State's overall gaming watchdog.

Mr Sloyan, who is currently the chief executive of the Health Insurance Authority, was appointed yesterday by the Minister for Public Expenditure Brendan Howlin and is expected to take up his new post next month.

Mr Howlin overhauled the legislation governing the State franchise last year as a prelude to selling a 20-year licence to operate the business.

The new legislation provides for a regulator to monitor and enforce compliance by the operator. This means Mr Sloyan will able to veto new games if they do not meet safe gaming standards or price rises if he feels they are undue.

The Minister also said he was confident Mr Sloyan's appointment, together with the award of the new Licence to Premier Lotteries Ireland, will ensure that the lottery continues to enjoy public support and to benefit good causes into the future.