Ireland has a very strong gaming culture that has existed for a long time. Ireland's gaming business is a multibillion-dollar sector that we hope to continue to develop in the future.
Online gambling has had a significant impact on gambling in Ireland as a result of technological advancements, as gamblers are no longer required to enter physical casinos to place their wagers. Players may now access their favourite games by simply logging onto gambling websites from their phones or PCs.
In comparison to former years, when the internet was not widely used, this has made it easier than ever for Irish gamblers. Online gambling is permitted in Ireland, but only if players wager on sites that have a legitimate Irish gambling license.
Ireland's gambling regulations also allow users to gamble on offshore betting sites as long as they have a valid license from a reputable organization like the UK Gambling Commission or the Malta Gaming Authority. In Ireland, gambling laws have been altered several times since the first one was introduced in 1850.
In Ireland, betting acts have been passed to bring the country's laws up to date. We anticipate the government amending laws, particularly in light of the current pandemic, because the government requires additional revenues, and gaming taxation is one of the most effective ways to raise cash.
The Betting Act was revised in March 2015, and any operator who accepts bets from Irish players is liable to Irish license and taxation. This is a significant step toward both regulating gaming and increasing gaming revenue in the country.
Due to the range of gambling options available in Ireland, gamers have shown a great deal of interest over the years.
Below we look at different types of online gambling that you can find in Ireland:
Online casino
Operating an online casino in Ireland is completely legal, and all an operator needs to do is apply for the necessary gaming licenses in Ireland. Online casinos exploded in popularity at the turn of the century, and they now have a sizable following due to their convenience.
Instead of wasting time travelling to a physical casino, all you need is your smartphone or laptop, and you'll be ready to play in a matter of minutes. Players enjoy a wide variety of games at online casinos, which has boosted their appeal. There is a multitude of games available, including slots, roulette, blackjack, poker, bingo, and many others.
When you register with an online casino, you will be given enticing bonuses that you can use to place bets. They feature good withdrawal and payment options, and most of them take Euros, making transactions more convenient for gamers.
Live dealer games featuring classics like blackjack and roulette are available at the casinos, and players can converse with human dealers while playing. Players can be assured of a safe and secure site to wager on, with no worries about internet hackers or anything else affecting them, thanks to licenses from reputable gaming authorities.
Players can play at their leisure and from any location because online casinos feature a 24-hour customer service system.
Online sports betting
Horse racing is a prominent sport in Ireland. In Ireland, the sport is popular, and it is also tied to gambling. When it comes to online sports betting in Ireland, Irish bookies are the most popular. Horse racing betting is completely allowed in Ireland, owing to the importance of the sport in the country.
Football and other sports are also immensely popular in Ireland, with many people wagering on them. The advantages of online sports betting are the fantastic odds, ease of registration, welcome bonuses for new players, and the ability to bet on live games as they are being played.
All that makes online sports betting services so popular among gamblers is the diversity of alternatives they provide.
Online Bingo
Online bingo is considered a lottery in Ireland, as it is supervised by the gaming and lotteries Act 1956. Online bingo is a gaming enterprise like any other, but it appeals to an older demographic rather than a younger one. A lottery license is required for a bingo operator to operate in Ireland, according to Irish legislation.
Poker
Poker is one of Ireland's most popular casino games, and it is completely legal. The game, however, is not particularly regulated in Ireland because it falls under the Gaming and Lotteries Act rather than any special Irish gambling legislation.
Since offshore licensed online operators, as well as domestic poker rooms, are permitted to operate in Ireland, poker fans in the country have a wide range of options. The Irish gambling regulations make no distinction between games of chance and games of skill, including games like blackjack and poker, which combine the two.
If the long-awaited Gaming Control Bill of 2013 passes, a new online gambling regulator will most likely be established, which will oversee the regulation of poker games in the country.
Lotteries
In Ireland, lotteries are generally legal, and a large number of individuals participate in them. To operate a lottery in Ireland, you must first get a lottery license. Lotteries are often accepted since they raise funds for a good cause.
The Irish Nation Lottery is the most popular in the country, and it has its regulator to ensure that it is administered fairly and legally.
Even though online gambling is an interesting and enjoyable activity, it does have some advantages and disadvantages. The following are some of the pros and cons of online gambling:
Online gambling Pros
- Guaranteed privacy and security
- Excellent bonuses and rewards
- Entertaining and exciting
- Varieties of online games to choose from
- Accommodates all budget
- A vast choice of betting options
Online gambling Cons
- Transaction fees involved
- Risk of reprobate operators
- cash out times may be longer
- Regulatory issues
Because of the convenience it provides, online gambling has become more popular among gamers. One can gamble on their favourite sports from the comfort of their own homes, using their phones or laptops. With our current state of the post-pandemic era, online gambling is undoubtedly the next big thing, and gamblers from all over the world are enthusiastically embracing it.
Online Gambling in Ireland – FAQs
What is the legal gambling age in Ireland?
In Ireland, the legal betting age was 16 but was later changed to 18. It is an offense for a child below 18 years to be in an Irish bookmaker.
Is gambling taxed in Ireland?
Betting operators pay a levy set at one per cent on all bets they take, this is of course in addition to the corporation tax. However, gamblers do not have to pay any tax on their winnings.
How is gambling in Ireland regulated?
At the moment, the UK Gambling Commission regulates the Irish gambling sector. If the Gambling Control Bill of 2013 passes, the Irish government might create a new regulator to oversee the gambling sector.
