Online Gambling in Ireland
Ireland is presently without any specific online gambling related legislation. In fact, gambling generally in Ireland, including the conduct of casino games in private clubs through Ireland is currently governed by laws put in place during the middle of last century that are universally agreed to be largely inadequate for current day operation (1956 Gaming and Lotteries Act). As a result, in 2008 the Irish Government commissioned a study into gambling generally in Ireland by the purpose formed Irish Casino Committee. The equivalent of the UK’s Budd Report, which was published in 2001 and became the precursor to the UK’s present regulatory and licensing regime and the establishment of the UK Gambling Commission, the report is widely believed to foreshadow a similar regime in Ireland.
The Committee’s final report, titled ‘Regulating Gaming in Ireland’ was released in July 2008 and with regard to online gambling it contained 4 key recommendations:
- A regulatory system be established for remote gambling in Ireland;
- Work should commence on the development of a separate regulatory framework for remote gaming, under the same regulatory authority as terrestrial gaming;
- The current global environment, particularly with regard to restrictions imposed by the US UIGEA legislation, provides Ireland with a window of opportunity and this opportunity should be grasped in an appropriate timescale;
- Any development in remote gaming must be strictly regulated but offer competitive taxation rates to licensees.
In practical terms the above developments will not have a significant impact on the current state of play with regard to accessibility of online gambling, and more specifically live casino services, for Irish player since no present restrictions exist. What the new laws and associated regulations will do (if enacted down the track) is see a notable increase in terrestrial advertising of online gambling services throughout Ireland. Don’t be surprised to see Glentoran F.C. sponsored by the likes of Unibet or Bet365 in the 2011/12 premiership season!
Best live casino for Irish players
Here are some well known online gambling brands, all offering live dealer casinos and accepting Irish players.
 Casinos |
 Player access |
 Banking |
 Toll free support |
 Local language |
 Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Read review | Visit |
No restrictions | No deposit restrictions Maintain account in pound or EURO |
Yes | Yes | European based dealer room with Euro centric games |
 Read review | Visit |
No restrictions | No deposit restrictions Maintain account in pound or EURO |
Yes | Yes | European based dealer room with Euro centric games |
 Read review | Visit |
No restrictions | No deposit restrictions Maintain account in pound or EURO |
Yes | Yes | Asian based dealer room with Euro centric games and Asian favorite variations |
 Read review | Visit |
No restrictions | No deposit restrictions Maintain account in pound or EURO |
Yes | Yes | European based dealer room with Euro centric games |
 Read review | Visit |
No restrictions | No deposit restrictions Maintain account in pound or EURO |
Yes | Yes | European based dealer room with Euro centric games |
