Gambling Laws in Ireland

The Irish gambling industry has its laws and regulatory framework, much of which has evolved through the decades. More recently, gambling laws in Ireland and elsewhere have focused more closely on online gambling, such as the increased accessibility to iGaming platforms.

What Is Gambling?

Gambling is the act of betting on the outcome of a game or competition, to achieve a profitable return on the initial wager. There are many forms of gambling on and offline.

Whether it’s sports betting and pari-mutuel betting on horse racing, classic casino card games or state-of-the-art slot games, there’s always potential to turn bets into wins.

Note that we said “potential”. Gambling carries its fair share of risks, too. That’s why Ireland’s online gambling laws are so important: to provide adequate protections for all customers of legal age.

Gambling History in Ireland

The Emerald Isle has a long and proud relationship with gambling. Dating back to ancient civilisations, many believe the dice and beads produced out of bones and glass were used by locals to gamble with.

The 17th century saw gambling formally arrive on these shores, as soon as the English conquered the nation. It wasn’t until the Betting Act of 1854 that Ireland formalised its gambling industry, which defined the framework for governing premises used for gambling or betting.

Current Gambling Laws in Ireland

The Irish government recently approved new legislation that would radically overhaul its regulatory framework for gambling operations and advertising. The Gambling Regulation Bill is an opportune moment to bring Ireland’s gambling industry firmly into the 21st century.

Within this bill there are several tangible updates:

• It will introduce a new watershed for gambling advertising, prohibiting ads between 5.30 am and 9 pm daily. This includes online advertising unless a user opts in to receive them.
• Gambling advertising will also be prohibited for UK and global sports events broadcast in Ireland.
• Online gambling operators will no longer be permitted to induce customers of legal age to bet using “VIP” loyalty programs, hospitality and free bets or “reload” offers.
• Credit cards will no longer be permitted as a deposit method.
• Cash machines will no longer be permitted in retail sports betting shops.

Most of the above are designed to protect at-risk individuals from gambling harm.

Legal Age for Gambling in Ireland

According to The Betting Act of 1931, the legal age for gambling in Ireland is 18. This covers all aspects of gambling, including the purchase of lottery tickets, which used to have a minimum age requirement of 16 years old.

Is Gambling Regulated in Ireland?

When it comes to new gambling laws Ireland has recently enacted, this legislation will be overseen by the newly established Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland. This organisation will have a clear remit over the public well-being and safety of Irish bettors.

The authority will oversee online and offline gambling and has been granted powers to regulate all forms of gambling advertising online and within mobile apps. The authority will also be allowed to seek data from gambling operators, monitor operator compliance and investigate complaints against sites and conduct impartial investigations.

What Types of Gambling Are Legal?

Let’s look at the types of gambling you can indulge in as an Irish citizen. You’ll be pleased to find a wide array of services, many of which are available right here at The Clubhouse Casino. If you need any support with accessing our online casino games, rest assured we’re always here to help.

Sports Betting

You can bet on all kinds of sporting events pre-game and in-play. Whether it’s the English Premier League, the ATP Tour tennis or the PGA Tour golf, you’ll find plenty of licensed bookmakers ready and waiting to take your sports bets online and offline.

Casino Slots

Online slot games are some of the most engaging options for casino players. Many online casino software providers offer themed slot games, inspired by popular culture and regional folklore. At The Clubhouse Casino, we’re proud to be partnered with multiple award-winning slot game providers, with a bulging library of slot titles compatible with desktop and mobile devices.

Casino Table Games

If it’s card-based and dice-based table games you’re after, you’ll be pleased to know these are legal to enjoy on or offline in Ireland. At The Clubhouse Casino, you’ll find classic titles like blackjack, roulette, baccarat and craps, as well as a host of next-generation variants to add a new dimension to your gameplay.

Bingo and Lottery

Ireland’s gambling legislation permits the operation of bingo and lottery games online and offline. Bingo halls are allowed to serve locals and you can purchase lottery tickets for national and regional games from permitted, partnered stores and kiosks. Ireland is also part of the EuroMillions lottery game, which pools ticket revenue and prize funds for players across the continent.

FAQs

Is gambling regulated in Ireland?

Offline and online gambling laws Ireland citizens should worry about are soon to be fully regulated by the newly established Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland. This has been formed as a result of the new Gambling Regulation Bill that the Irish government passed earlier in 2022.

Is online gambling legal in Ireland?

In terms of the latest online gambling law, Ireland permits this in all counties of Ireland. The Irish iGaming subsector is now formally overseen by the Gambling Regulation Bill that looks to modernise the licensing and regulation of all online gambling activity in Ireland. Ireland’s Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, described it as a “long-awaited and much-needed new bill”.

What is the gambling authority in Ireland?

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland is the new regulator of the Irish gambling industry. Anne Marie Caulfield has been appointed as the inaugural chief executive officer (CEO) of the authority, which is set to become fully operational in 2023.