ShareIreland's online gambling market hit €2.57 billion in 2025, casino games making up over half that number. The industry grew fast over the past decade but existed in this weird regulatory gray area until recently. March 2025 changed things when the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland started actually operating instead of just being planned.
New Regulatory Framework Reshapes Market
The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 replaced laws that were ancient, some dating back to the 1950s which is ridiculous when you think about regulating internet gambling with legislation written before computers existed. Online casinos fell into gaps that old gambling laws never anticipated because those laws were written for physical betting shops and horse racing.
Offshore operators served Irish players for years without clear oversight. Domestic licensing didn't cover most online gaming, consumer protections were all over the place depending on which platform you used. Some operators did things properly, others not so much, and there wasn't really a consistent way to tell the difference.
GRAI's establishment created one regulatory body handling everything except the National Lottery, which stays separate for historical reasons. The Authority operates independently under the Department of Justice with seven appointed members handling licensing and compliance and enforcement. Their focus is supposed to be on public safety and reducing gambling harm while still letting legitimate operators function, which is a tricky balance honestly.
Market Access and Platform Selection
Irish players have access to over 3,400 games from more than 120 suppliers according to recent data. User penetration approaches 96 percent, which means online casino gaming became mainstream entertainment instead of a niche thing. Men make up 51.3 percent of players, women 46.8 percent, fairly balanced gender participation.
Mobile technology drives most growth. Smartphones made on-the-go entertainment normal, younger adults who grew up with mobile devices view online casinos as standard options alongside Netflix and social media and other digital stuff. Playing anywhere without visiting physical locations expanded the customer base significantly.
Platforms like 101rtp.com/ie/best-online-casinos aggregate information about licensed operators, help players navigate the expanding market. These resources matter more as legal options increase under new regulations. Players benefit from comparing features and game selections and payment methods and licensing status across platforms before deciding where to put their money.
What Changed for Casino Operators
Online casinos serving Irish players need specific licenses now to operate legally. The application process involves three-stage vetting, corporate checks and financial checks and technical checks. Operators submit detailed business plans, financial records, anti-money laundering policies, responsible gambling protocols, business continuity plans. The review process takes months because GRAI actually examines everything instead of just rubber-stamping applications, which makes sense but creates delays.
Companies that had old remote bookmaker licenses can keep going until those expire, but renewals under the previous system only last one year not two anymore. Creates this transition period where old rules and new rules exist together temporarily which is confusing for everyone involved. Eventually though all operators need GRAI-issued licenses to legally serve Irish players.
Advertising and Promotion Restrictions
Television and radio gambling ads are banned between 5:30am and 9:00pm. This watershed period is meant to reduce exposure for kids and vulnerable people. Social media advertising got completely prohibited unless users specifically opted in through their platform accounts, which basically kills most social media marketing.
Broadcasters and operators criticized these restrictions heavily, particularly around horse racing broadcasts that traditionally included betting content as part of the experience. The economic impact on racing broadcasts is a genuine concern because betting sponsorship funded a lot of that coverage.
GRAI can impose more advertising limitations too, frequency caps and duration limits and restrictions on what ads can claim or show. The regulator decides which times and places and events can feature gambling promotions. Gives GRAI flexible authority to respond to new concerns without needing new legislation every time something comes up.
Targeted inducements are banned. Casinos can't offer promotions aimed at specific demographics based on gender or age or ethnicity or sports team affiliation. General promotions targeting everyone remain allowed, but using data to push offers at individuals identified as vulnerable or high-value targets isn't permitted anymore.
What Players Should Verify
Checking licensing status comes first when considering any online casino. GRAI maintains public listings of licensed operators, legitimate sites display their license info prominently. Unlicensed operations still exist in gray market spaces but they lack regulatory oversight and consumer protections that licensed platforms must provide.
Payment method availability matters because not all casinos support every option. The credit card ban eliminated one common deposit method, made e-wallets and bank transfers more important. Withdrawal processing times vary a lot, fees too, minimum amounts differ between operators. Understanding this stuff before depositing prevents frustration later when you're trying to cash out.
Game variety reflects different supplier relationships and what each platform focuses on. Some casinos emphasize slots with thousands of titles, others prioritize table games or live dealer experiences. Progressive jackpots and branded games and exclusive titles distinguish platforms competing for similar audiences. Players with specific preferences should research which operators excel in what they actually want to play.
Responsible gambling tools differ in quality across platforms despite regulations requiring them. Some casinos offer robust self-exclusion options and detailed spending reports and proactive intervention systems. Others meet minimum standards without exceeding them. Players concerned about maintaining control should check these features during platform selection, not just assume every casino handles it the same.
Conclusion
The Irish online casino market will probably keep growing through the decade despite tighter regulations. Industry estimates suggest sustained expansion as more adults incorporate online gambling into entertainment budgets. Whether growth rates match the explosive increases from pre-regulation times remains uncertain given new restrictions on advertising and operations, growth will likely slow some but not stop.
Mobile platforms will capture increasing market share as desktop usage declines across everything internet-related. Casino operators invest heavily in mobile optimization, apps and responsive websites that work seamlessly on phones and tablets. Convenience of mobile access outweighs desktop advantages for most casual players who don't want to sit at computers.
Ireland's online casino landscape went from under-regulated to structured with clear rules and licensed operators and consumer protections. Players navigating this space benefit from understanding regulatory requirements, verifying platform credentials, using available protection tools while making informed choices about their entertainment spending.
