Galway’s tech and creative industries are examining gambling innovations overseas as Ireland prepares for tighter regulation and a surge in digital gaming.
The city’s start‑up community is paying particular attention to developments in Australia, where the real‑time payment service PayID has become popular for casino deposits and withdrawals.
The system links a bank account to a user’s phone number or email address, enabling funds to move almost instantly.
Supported by more than 100 banks, it eliminates the need for players to input long account numbers.
Some analysts say Australia’s adoption of PayID shows how instant bank transfers could work in Ireland once new open‑banking rules come into force.
A growing number of Australian operators now offer deposits with PayID, a development that has caught the eye of Irish regulators and payment firms.
In parallel, Irish gambling is shifting online at a rapid pace. Industry estimates indicate total gaming revenue could reach about €2.5 billion next year, with online play accounting for nearly half.
Virtual‑reality casinos are gaining traction in Cork, where hundreds of players use headsets to gather around digital poker and blackjack tables.
The government’s new Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, which took over licensing duties earlier this year, has introduced rules requiring online operators to offer deposit limits and self‑exclusion tools.
Advertising restrictions and maximum stakes on some games were also unveiled in March as part of a broader consumer‑protection programme.
Cryptocurrency is another area of focus. Research firms report that revenue at crypto‑only casinos has multiplied several times since 2022, driven by instant payouts, transparent ledgers and the ability to verify game fairness.
New Web3 platforms based on smart contracts are removing the traditional house edge by matching bettors directly against one another.
An emerging trend links cryptocurrency wagering to eSports events and non‑fungible token prizes.
Regulators in several countries have responded by capping withdrawals and introducing delays to discourage money laundering and combat volatility.
Irish officials are watching these initiatives closely as they consider whether a digital euro or regulated crypto betting could be permitted.
Artificial intelligence is now widely used in mainstream betting operations. Algorithms analyse player behaviour to personalise offers, set spending limits and detect signs of addiction or fraud.
Gamification tools such as leaderboards and badges are increasingly common. The International Gaming Standards Association recently announced plans to draw up ethical guidelines for AI in gambling amid concerns that automated systems could target vulnerable customers.
Industry groups in Europe have called for independent audits of AI models and greater transparency about how data is collected and used.
These developments coincide with significant investment in Galway’s creative‑tech sector. Last spring, the Creative Enterprise West (Crew) hub opened with €3.2 million in government funding.
The facility provides desk space, studios, and meeting rooms for up to 160 entrepreneurs involved in gaming, animation, and digital design, and forms part of the national connected-hubs network.
Organisers of the annual FÍS Games Summit have confirmed that next year’s event will take place in Galway’s Crown Square district.
The conference, scheduled for April, is expected to attract local developers and international speakers to discuss sustainable game development and the future of virtual‑reality entertainment.
With new rules in place and a supportive infrastructure growing in the west of Ireland, Galway is positioning itself at the centre of the country’s evolving gambling and gaming landscape.
