Ireland finally launching proper gambling licenses like 15 years late but fine

underdog.4o4

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Ireland FINALLY getting proper gambling regulation. new licensing system launching late 2025 for sports betting, online casinos in early 2026. took them bloody forever. been using uk sites cos irish gambling laws were basically non-existent so far
anyone know if this means current operators will get booted or can they apply for new licenses?
 
Hope this one will bring some clarity here. This Ireland's regulatory delay created an interesting situation where operators served Irish customers under various other jurisdictions - primarily UK, Malta, and Gibraltar licenses.
The new Gambling Regulation Act establishes the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland as the single oversight body. Key timeline:
  • Late 2025: Sports betting and retail licenses
  • Early 2026: Online casino licenses
  • 2027: Full regulatory framework operational
Existing operators will need to apply for Irish licenses to continue serving Irish customers directly. The transition period should allow continuity, but operators will need to meet Irish-specific compliance requirements including:
  • Corporate presence in Ireland or EU
  • Segregated customer funds
  • Irish-specific responsible gambling measures
  • Tax obligations (rates TBD but likely competitive)
This represents a significant market opportunity given Ireland's affluent population and high gambling participation rates.
 
Hope this one will bring some clarity here. This Ireland's regulatory delay created an interesting situation where operators served Irish customers under various other jurisdictions - primarily UK, Malta, and Gibraltar licenses.
The new Gambling Regulation Act establishes the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland as the single oversight body. Key timeline:
  • Late 2025: Sports betting and retail licenses
  • Early 2026: Online casino licenses
  • 2027: Full regulatory framework operational
Existing operators will need to apply for Irish licenses to continue serving Irish customers directly. The transition period should allow continuity, but operators will need to meet Irish-specific compliance requirements including:
  • Corporate presence in Ireland or EU
  • Segregated customer funds
  • Irish-specific responsible gambling measures
  • Tax obligations (rates TBD but likely competitive)
This represents a significant market opportunity given Ireland's affluent population and high gambling participation rates.
Yeah the competitive tax angle is interesting. Ireland has history of using favorable corporate tax policy to attract businesses
If they set gambling tax rates below UK levels, could see operators relocating to take advantage. Irish customer base alone justifies the licensing cost for major operators.
 
@m0r0n seriouslydoubt it boi it will change uk approach much true but gives operators more options which is good
competition between regulators usually benefits the industry
 
wonder if irish players will get access to better bonuses and odds once theres proper competition
unregulated market means no protection but also no restrictions on promotions
prob better than current situation where irish players basically had no recourse if operators screwed them over and so regulation means protection even if it comes with some restrictions
 
prob better than current situation where irish players basically had no recourse if operators screwed them over and so regulation means protection even if it comes with some restrictions
100% so sick of using offshore sites with 0 protection. screw it even if bonuses get worse least you know withdrawals will be honored
 
the interesting question is whether irish licenses will be recognized by other eu countries or if operators need separate licenses everywhere. as single digital market was supposed to make this easier but gambling always gets special treatment :rolleyes:
 
the interesting question is whether irish licenses will be recognized by other eu countries or if operators need separate licenses everywhere. as single digital market was supposed to make this easier but gambling always gets special treatment :rolleyes:
though about that too shadow but probably separate licenses unfortunately. gambling regulation still mostly national level in eu
but at least irish players will finally have proper protection starting next year. baby steps but still somethin
 
@webzcas yea thats the main thing there. damn beern waiting years for this point and hopefully they wont screw it up with overregulation crap like some others did
 
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