According to Sigma World, 14.4% of Ireland’s population gambled online in 2024, with the market growing rapidly since the formation of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland in 2024. They’re the new statutory body established under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 to bring safety and a better online gambling environment to Ireland.
Similar to the UK’s Gambling Commission and Malta’s Gaming Authority, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland will award licences for all Irish gambling activities (excluding lottery), helping to drive the popularity of an already thriving market with new online casinos, games, and opportunities.
But it’s not the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland that’s made online casinos popular in Ireland – they were already more popular than land-based casinos, with half of Ireland’s adult population trying online gambling at least once (Online Casino Reports). Still, despite that, land-based casinos do consistently generate more than €100 million in revenue annually and regularly attract players.
Below, we’ll explore what’s driving the popularity.
How Popular Are Online Casinos in Ireland?
Industry forecasts estimate that by the end of 2025, the Irish online gambling market will generate between €1.2 billion and €1.3 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR). From that, online casino games are predicted to contribute around €700 million (iGaming Today).
That’s a substantial share of the country’s overall gambling spend. The same iGaming Today report states all forms of online gambling should account for 40% of total Irish gambling revenue by the end of 2025.
One of the drivers is the high user engagement, with the number of Irish online casino players growing. iGaming Today also projects there will be around 474,000 casino customers by 2028.
What we’re also noticing in Ireland is a decline in traditional outlets. The latest data states that 721 betting shops have closed down (Irish Bookmakers Association), and there are only a few land-based casinos in Ireland.
Naturally, online casinos are flourishing, and as a result, analysts project continued steady growth and the potential for Irish online gambling revenue to reach €1.35 billion by 2029 (Irish Central).
The Economic Impact of Online Casinos for Ireland
Many iGaming platforms were indeed offshore-based in the past, but recent regulatory changes are beginning to integrate the best Irish casinos into the economy.
The online gaming industry is ready to contribute new tax streams under the upcoming licensing regime. For example, the 2024 Gambling Regulation Act creates a Remote Gaming Duty and a mandated Social Impact Fund paid by operators. These will funnel a portion of online casino revenues into public channels for gambling education and harm prevention.
Online casinos have created numerous jobs and business activity. Careers include:
- Data and technology
- Customer service
- Marketing
- Payment processing
An industry survey found that, yes, retail bookmakers employ thousands, but almost 1,000 people are working for online gambling operators (Irish Post).
What’s Driving the Popularity of iGaming in Ireland?
Here are some of the leading factors in the increase in popularity of iGaming in Ireland:
Mobile and Convenient
Like most thriving iGaming markets, smartphone adoption and high-speed internet access are enabling local Irish people to access online casinos easily. 5G, for example, is active in 600 Irish towns, or 74% of the country (Switcher). And almost 95%, or 5.05 million people, own a smartphone (Tech Buzz Ireland).
Research observes that heavy smartphone usage and simple online interfaces are driving participation (iGaming Today), and operators have responded with user-friendly apps and mobile-optimised platforms.
Young Demographics
Younger adults are frequently accessing online casinos. Irish participation data show that men aged 15–34 are the most active group in online gambling, especially online casino games, and 40% of online gamers are 25–34 (iGaming Today, Irish Central).
And it makes sense; this millennial/Gen Z group loves technology, spending an average of up to 4 hours daily on their smartphones (Young Social Innovators).
Game Variety and Innovation
Online casinos have an endless list of games that land-based venues can’t. Slots, table games, video poker, and live-dealer streaming have put the casino into players’ homes. And interactive features such as 3D graphics, loyalty rewards, free spins and gamble insurance only make the experience better.
Regulatory Credibility
Recent legal changes make the market more attractive. The establishment of Ireland’s Gambling Regulatory Authority and new licensing for remote gambling create a safer, more transparent environment. The emphasis on consumer protection under the new regime will continue to drive users towards online casino experiences.
Now that online casinos are becoming more accessible, focusing on a mobile-first approach, we expect to see the number of online gamblers in Ireland increase in the coming years.
Online casinos in Ireland are undeniably popular. And considering the work of Ireland’s Gambling Regulatory Authority is only just beginning, it’ll be interesting to see how the market progresses as the regulatory body continues to award new licenses to online casinos.
