Gambling Laws in Ireland

Given its proximity to the UK, which has a robust yet permissive regulatory system, it's easy to assume Ireland's laws would be the same. However, the country takes a stricter stance, especially in casino-related activities. Much of the existing legislation, particularly regarding online gambling, is in desperate need of modernisation and reform.

Which Types of Gambling Are Legal in Ireland?

Generally speaking, casino gaming is illegal under the Gaming and Lotteries Acts 1956 - 2019, unless operators hold a licence. On the other hand, sports betting is legal in Ireland under the Betting Acts 1931 - 2015. 

Playing at Land-Based and Online Casinos

Contrary to what many assume there are no licensing routes for land-based casinos in Ireland. Current legislation does not mention private games, which has resulted in the operation of members-only clubs, under permit. The only exceptions are slot and amusement arcade machines, for which a license can be obtained.

The law in Ireland has yet to be updated for online casinos. This leaves residents with the option of joining online gambling sites which are licensed in other jurisdictions.

Poker Gambling

Offline poker games on a public level are illegal in Ireland as they aren't covered by existing legislation. Online poker falls into the same limbo as all other online casino games, with current laws not mentioning it specifically.

Real Money Bingo Games

Offline bingo is legal with operators required to obtain a licence from the District Court or a permit from An Garda Síochána (Irish National Police). When it comes down to online bingo gambling, this is another activity not specifically mentioned in Ireland's regulations.

Purchasing Lotto Tickets and Scratchcards

Lotteries are legal but face 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 is regulated under the National Lottery Act 2013. Tickets can be purchased from licensed retailers along with a selection of scratchcards.

Regarding online lotteries, the law in Ireland is once again unclear. The Irish National Lottery operates a website where residents can play online lottery games for real money though.

Social Gambling and Online Crypto Casinos

Generally, gambling activities that do not involve real money stakes fall outside the scope of existing regulations. Therefore Irish casino fans can enjoy online social platforms which offer free games with 'credits' and 'coins'. The same applies to skins gambling and lootboxes.

Cryptocurrencies are not recognised as legal tender in Ireland. However, recent changes in the EU's 5th Money Laundering Directive have brought coins into the scope of the country's anti-money laundering regulations. These now require virtual asset service providers to register with the Central Bank of Ireland. Residents in Ireland can access a wealth of online casino slots with their virtual currencies at numerous offshore crypto casinos. Whilst this is technically illegal, no one to date has been prosecuted.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Ireland?

Yes, and this is the only gambling activity which current legislation covers. Operators are required to obtain a licence from the Irish Revenue Commissioners. Only two companies have managed to obtain this: Horse Racing Ireland through its subsidiary Tote Ireland Limited and Rásaíocht Con Éireann (Greyhound Racing Ireland).

The 2015 amendment was primarily to extend the same licensing regulations to those offering the activity on a remote basis, making online sports betting specifically legal. This gives residents access to the most popular online casinos and sports books in the world.

Fantasy sports betting is not mentioned in Ireland's gambling regulations.

What's the Minimum Age to Gamble in Ireland?

Only those aged 18+ are permitted to gamble, both in-person and online.

Irish Gambling Tax Regulations: Do Players Pay?

All operators must pay 23% VAT on customers' winnings. This includes private casinos, 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).

Players and bettors who are residents of Ireland are not liable to pay income tax on any gambling winnings.

History of Gambling Laws in Ireland

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

The first sports betting act came into effect in 1853 before being modernised in 1926, then again in 1931. It was 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 activities illegal. Lotteries date back to the early 1900s, particularly the Irish Hospitals Sweepstakes. The Irish National Lottery was launched in 1987.

Key Facts

• Casino gaming is illegal though permits may be obtained for small private member clubs.

• Online gaming is not regulated. Slots, bingo and poker are not specifically mentioned in the current legislation.

• Offline bingo is legal and operators must obtain a licence or permit.

• Small lotteries must obtain a licence or permit and the Irish National Lottery is covered under its own National Lottery Act.

• Sports betting is legal both in-person and online.