Online Gambling Laws in Ireland

Given its proximity to the UK, which has a robust yet permissive gambling regulatory system, it's easy to assume Ireland's gambling laws would be roughly the same. However, the country takes a stricter stance on gambling, especially in casino-related activities, with much of Ireland's existing legislation, particularly regarding online gambling, needing modernization and reform. Please find out more in our article on Ireland's gambling laws below.

Gambling Regulation by Casino Type

Generally speaking, casino gaming in Ireland is illegal under the Gaming and Lotteries Acts 1956 - 2019 unless operators hold a licence, with only a few limited activities licensed in reality. On the other hand, sports betting is legal in Ireland under the Betting Acts 1931 - 2015. Let's look at the mixed situation regarding gambling laws in Ireland.

Casino Games

Contrary to what many assume, casino gaming is generally considered illegal in Ireland, and there are no licensing routes for such activities. However, current legislation does not mention private games, which has resulted in the operation of numerous private members clubs' clubs under permit. The only exception is slot and amusement machines, for which a licence can be obtained.

The law in Ireland has yet to be updated to legislate for online casino gaming, which leaves Irish players with the option of joining online casinos licensed in other jurisdictions to enjoy online casino slots, table games and live dealer games.

Poker

Poker games fall under the gaming category when it comes to gambling laws in Ireland, and since there is no avenue for obtaining a license, offline poker games on a public level are illegal in the country. Like casino gaming, private poker games and clubs fall outside the scope of current regulations.

Online poker games fall into the same limbo as online casino games, with current laws not mentioning online gambling specifically. This leaves players in Ireland to find their online poker entertainment at foreign poker sites.

Bingo

Offline bingo games are legal in Ireland, with operators required to obtain a licence from the District Court or a permit from An Garda Síochána (Irish National Police). Bingo games are considered a form of lottery in the country, so the activity is permitted compared to those deemed illegal in Ireland.

Online bingo gambling is another activity not specifically mentioned in Ireland's regulations. Resident residents in Ireland who wish to play online bingo games can do so via any existing offshore bingo sites.

Lotteries

Lotteries are legal in Ireland but come under stiff regulatory control according to the country's Gaming and Lotteries Acts. Small lotteries can obtain a permit or licence issued by An Garda Síochána or the District Court. The only exception is the Irish National Lottery, which doesn't come under the existing acts but is regulated under the National Lottery Act 2013.

Regarding online lotteries, the law in Ireland is unclear, as there is currently no legislation addressing online gambling activities specifically. The Irish National Lottery operates a website where residents can play online lottery games for real money, suggesting that land-based licensing may also allow online lottery betting services (at least under the National Lottery Act 2013).

Social Casinos and Crypto Casinos

Generally, gambling activities that do not involve real money stakes fall outside the scope of existing gambling regulations in Ireland. The same applies to skins gambling and lootboxes.

Cryptocurrencies are not recognized as legal tender in Ireland. However, recent changes in the EU's 5th Money Laundering Directive have brought crypto coins into the scope of the country's anti-money laundering regulations, requiring virtual asset service providers to register with the Central Bank of Ireland. Those in Ireland can still access and play games in various cryptocurrencies via the numerous offshore crypto casinos.

Ireland Sports Betting Laws

Sports betting is the only gambling activity for which legislation covers land-based and online sports betting and horse racing betting. Offline sports betting is legal in Ireland under the Betting Act 1931 and the Betting (Amendment) Act 2015. Operators are required to obtain a licence from the Irish Revenue Commissioners. In the case of totalisators, only two operators have managed to obtain a licence: Horse Racing Ireland through its subsidiary Tote Ireland Limited and Rásaíocht Con Éireann (Greyhound Racing Ireland).

The 2015 amendment to the existing Betting Act was primarily to extend the same licensing regulations to those offering sports betting services on a remote basis, making online sports betting specifically legal in Ireland. Fantasy sports betting is not mentioned in Ireland's gambling regulations.

Gambling Age Restriction

In Ireland, only those aged 18 or over are permitted to gamble. It is prohibited for those under age to enter a betting shop, place sports bets, buy lottery tickets or play amusement games.

Tax Regulation

Ireland's gambling tax regulation means most operators must pay 23% VAT on customers' winnings. This includes private casino and poker clubs and offshore sites that accept Irish customers. Both land-based and online sports betting operators are charged an excise duty of 2% of turnover (only for Irish customers' bets in the case of foreign operators).

History of Gambling Laws in Ireland

Much of Ireland's gambling history speaks of horse racing, with on-course and off-course betting on events dating back hundreds of years. It's no surprise betting and bookmaking have been regulated in the country since the 1700s.

Sports betting, in general, is the most comprehensive in terms of the country's legislation, with the first Betting Act coming into effect back in 1853 before being modernized in 1926, then again in 1931, and amended in 2015 to allow for online sports betting. The Totalisator Act of 1929 still dictates the regulation of totalisators in Ireland, which are under the monopoly control of the Irish Tote.

Casino gaming doesn't have much history in Ireland, with even today's industry consisting solely of private clubs that only emerged in the early 2000s. The Gaming and Lotteries Act was first enacted in 1956, making most forms of gambling illegal in Ireland. Lotteries date back to the early 1900s, particularly the Irish Hospitals Sweepstakes, and the Irish National Lottery was launched in 1987.

Key Facts

Overall, Ireland's gambling legislation is quite antiquated and needs reform and modernization, and the country has plans to do so. Here are the key facts regarding Ireland's gambling laws:

• Casino gaming is illegal: Permits may be obtained only for small private member clubs.
• Online gaming is not regulated: Online casino games, live casino sites, online bingo and online poker games are not specifically mentioned in the current legislation.
• Offline bingo is legal: Operators must obtain a licence or permit.
• Lotteries are legal: Small lotteries must obtain a licence or permit, and the Irish National Lottery is permitted under its own National Lottery Act, which also allows online lottery gaming.
• Sports betting is legal: Land-based and online sports betting are legal, with operators required to obtain a licence.