Ireland Online Gambling Law

Learn about the legality and regulation of online casinos gambling in Ireland. The Gambling Control Bill 2013 has changed Irish online gambling law significantly. Even international operators must now have Irish licenses to serve Irish players.

Prior to the Horses and Greyhounds Act of 2001, Irish punters were unable to undertake online sports betting. Since 2001, the landscape has changed significantly and now sports fans can place bets with their preferred operators. However, punters had to wait a couple of years for the appropriate sites to launch.

Licensing Changes

The most prominent piece of legislation in this area is the Gambling Control Bill 2013. In summary, the bill stipulates that any online gambling operator serving the Irish market must have a licence from the state. The choice will be to either obtain a remote bookmaker’s licence or a remote betting intermediary’s licence – both will cost €5,000 to acquire and later renew.

Tax on International Winnings

Irish players are still permitted to go and play with international websites, and the government has not previously collected tax on most winnings from those operators. However, the government has previously collected 2% tax on all sports winnings.

Changing Landscape

In line with the above plan to licence any operator accepting bets from Irish players, the government has sought to shake up the previous landscape. The plan is now to subject operators to a 1% betting duty for Irish players. Additionally, betting exchanges will be required to pay a 15% intermediary duty on wagering commission.