Types of Online Casinos in Ireland
When it comes to online gambling, Ireland follows the example of European countries where gaming rooms are allowed. Illegal clubs have troubled the local government for many years, and finally, the law passed in 2015 made this business legal. To provide gaming machines in Ireland and accept local gamers, the operator must first obtain a license. Meanwhile, the Irish are frequent customers of overseas platforms that operate in the UK and other jurisdictions. Interestingly, the state does not tax winners and Irish virtual casinos offer several currencies including euros.
What are the most popular casino sites in Ireland? This list includes brands such as CasinoUK; Barbados; All British; Casumo; CasinoLuck.
Due to the popularity of the internet and gambling, video poker has become a lucrative business in modern Ireland. In 2013, the government said that only poker rooms were legal and would not be subject to heavy taxes. Such websites are multifunctional and convenient means of payment accepting euros and other currencies. Party Poker, 888Poker, and PokerStars became the most popular in Ireland after receiving positive feedback from gamers. Online betting became a big problem in the 90s when thousands of Irish people visited sites registered in Malta, Gibraltar, and Antigua. Users won real money even despite the current Betting Act of 1926.
This development of the situation forced Irish politicians to adopt a new law and monitor its effectiveness. Since 2012, operators accepting players from this country must obtain a state license. According to official figures, Paddy Power is the most popular platform among Irish gamers who place bets on the Internet. Also, users choose clubs that offer games with live dealers, a reliable security system and Bitcoin as a deposit method. Playing against live croupiers creates the atmosphere of a real casino while crypto transactions ensure your safety during the session.
Most Irish online casinos above are for instant play. This means that they open in all browsers offering a wide range of slot machines and bonuses. Irish gambling enthusiasts can also find downloadable platforms that install on PCs and smartphones. Gambling on touch screens has become very popular due to its availability. Each of us has at least one portable device, which means we can win real money at any time.
Types of Casino Games for Irish Gamblers
Frankly speaking, the Irish do not use casinos in the traditional sense. Some business owners and hotel owners can add ‘casino’ to attract the attention of tourists who would like to win/lose real money. In fact, these are ordinary clubs offering a standard set of slot machines and roulettes. In some rooms, you can find blackjack and poker. Obviously, the latest entertainment is the most popular. In Ireland, there are many such tournaments with large prize pools. Bingo is common too, but it is less popular because such events are often used for charitable purposes. At the moment, in Ireland 10+ bingo halls are registered where you can donate money by buying a ticket.
As we already said, Irish gambling culture originated in the coming of the British who brought the first terms and gambling. It is not surprising that horse racing is still popular and in demand in Ireland providing huge revenue for operators. As you know, sports betting is popular on all continents and they exist in Ireland too. Locals are fans of the unique Gaelic football betting. By the way, sports bets in the country are taxed (about 21%). The betting segment regularly improves its performance due to the Internet, which has provided bookmakers and players with more opportunities.
If you came to Ireland and don’t know how to get instant money, then pay attention to the lotteries presented in a wide variety. The first place in popularity belongs to the Irish National Lottery which received a 20-year license in 2013. These events are held only for charity. A few months ago, the price of one such ticket doubled (from €1,5 to €3), as a result of which the Irish National Lottery income decreased significantly. Thanks to Ireland’s loyal policies, any institution authorized by the District Court can sell charity lottery tickets.
Most players will visit Irish casinos to play video slots, the number of which is increasing every day. This market is filled with slots from companies like NetEnt; Microgaming; Playtech; Play’n go; Wazdan and others. You can find 3-reel slots with fruit symbols, as well as cutting-edge slots with animations and bonuses.
The offline gaming atmosphere reigns in Live Roulette/Baccarat/BlackJack/Sic Bo and so on. Finally, all the games above have been adapted for the touch screens of your smartphones and tablets. Play in a browser and only download applications.
Online Gambling Laws and Regulations in Ireland
One way or another, gambling exists in every country. Some states set ambiguous rules or fight gambling with different regulators and restrictions. Fortunately, Ireland does not pursue these principles; therefore, local laws are transparent and understandable. Gambling has been developing in the country for many centuries and Ireland is not ready to risk losing its current position. Offline clubs are legal throughout the country, therefore you can visit them and place bets without restriction. Lotteries are sold in large quantities providing high income not only to sellers but also to gamers who have many ways to win real money.
A few years ago, Ireland adopted new terms of business gambling and made virtual gambling legal by increasing the popularity of gambling, which increased revenue. New platforms appear in the country regularly, but if a foreign online casino wants to enter the Irish market then it must obtain an appropriate license. Also, the operator must pay tax profits. It is worth noting the popularity of this method since many brands would like to work with Irish gamers. But as we already said, this market is open only to bookmakers/gaming halls that have received one of the following:
- a distant broker license. This document only covers online betting services.
- a betting intermediary license. This permission allows the provision of services to Irish players without restrictions. Accordingly, this license is more popular.
How much do Irish licenses cost? All betting intermediaries and distant brokers should spend about 10 thousand euros. Remote operators should be prepared to spend more money since the cost of one such license varies from 10 to 500 thousand euros or 200 thousand euros for remote intermediaries whose annual income exceeds 500m euros. According to official documents, remote brokers also pay a 1% fee. Those involved in the transaction as remote intermediaries must also pay the intermediate debt. At the moment, its size is 15% of the commission.
Many countries that conduct national lotteries turn them into a state monopoly. We have already said that Ireland is a unique country that establishes new rules and orders. The lottery in this country is wholly owned by a private company called “Premier Lotteries Ireland LTD.” Tickets are sold in offline establishments and in some online casinos operating in Ireland.
Before the adoption of new laws, gambling was available to gamblers over 16 years old. But European culture has affected Irish laws where all forms of gambling are accessible to users over 18. In a word, Ireland is always looking for new solutions and tools to improve the business. In the case of online casinos, the state sets new rules to keep order and attract tourists.
Best Deposit Methods for Irish Gamblers
Debit/Credit Cards are used by millions of users for daily purchases. In addition, they are popular payment instruments in Irish virtual casinos. As a rule, the leading positions in this segment belong to VISA and MasterCard, but gamers from Ireland often use Discover or American Express too.
Thanks to the Internet, web-wallets got more features and as a result? they appeared in every online casino in Ireland. They are distinguished by instant transactions and quality service. Thanks to these criteria, NETELLER and Skrill have become very popular. Players are only upset about the availability of fees, but the company claims that they are directing this money to improve security systems.
Prepaid Cards combine the benefits of previous tools. On most gambling sites in Ireland? you can use Paysafecard which guarantees confidentiality and fairly fast transactions. In addition, the Paysafe Group offers the use of Skrill services, which is convenient for players based in Ireland.
If we are talking about e-commerce then we need to highlight PayPal company which has become a leader in the international market. Why is it the perfect solution for Irish players? First of all, this system carries out all types of transactions. Secondly, your money is always protected according to international standards.
Probably Bank Transfers will always be relevant since this option has existed for decades. Yeah, such casino transactions are usually processed for several days, but Irish banks guarantee 100% security to each client.
Pay-by-Phone option exists due to the popularity of smartphones. Such a device can perform dozens of functions, therefore it can entertain us around the clock. Mobile payments like Boku and Zimpler are present in almost every Irish club. They are convenient especially if you downloaded the casino software on your smartphone/tablet.
Bitcoin has positive effects on the development of gambling. Since it is the most popular digital coin, it has found many customers in Ireland where it is used as a payment tool in gaming halls. The advantages of cryptocurrency are obvious: anonymity with instant transactions and a reliable security system. Also, all financial procedures are free.
Many Irish portals offer games in demo mode. In fact, this is a free version of the slot machine that does not require deposits. This allows gamers to enjoy full-fledged gameplay without risk, but at the same time, they do not win real money. Therefore, you should make a deposit and then withdraw winnings using one of the services above.
Accepted Currencies in Ireland
Demo games have become quite a popular trend in 2019. Most Irish online casinos offer to spin the reels without registration and downloads. In fact, the demo version of the slot machine has only one difference from its full version – the player does not win real money. To feel real excitement and risk you only need to make a deposit. In the previous section, we examined the best payment instruments for Irish players, so we need to find out what currencies they can use. The banknote is one of those factors that determine the comfort and safety of your gaming session.
At the moment, the gambling market in Ireland is estimated at 3 billion euros and this is a big figure considering that less than 5 million people live in the country. Most local operators know that gamers prefer simple and clear payment methods with affordable currencies. Since Ireland exists as part of the European Union, the local currency is the euro, although tourists often bring in dollars and pounds. If they want to play in Irish online casinos then they will have to exchange the currency or use the one they want (if it is offered in the gaming room).
Also, it is worth noting the popularity of cryptocurrency. Digital coins have become a popular e-commerce tool, so they are increasingly appearing in Irish clubs that accept online bets. With Bitcoin, you not only make instant (free) transactions but also get modern protection and anonymity. As you can see, the choice is wide enough, so…it’s up to you what currency to use in the best casinos in Ireland.
Predictions about the Future of Online Gambling in Ireland
Frankly speaking, not many European countries are ready to accept gambling and make this business legal. The countries that did this received excellent income and happy players already. Ireland belongs to the countries that keep up with the development of technology offering gambling as legal entertainment. Over the past few years, the number of gaming halls in the country has increased significantly and the Irish government has even begun issuing licenses for virtual casinos. Definitely, these are positive changes that will increase revenue in the country’s treasury.
Although Ireland is preparing to introduce tax changes, it is expected that they will not have negative effects on the future of the local gambling market. Meanwhile, the Irish are visiting not only local but also foreign platforms with thousands of slot machines and various bonuses. Fortunately, these sites are not blocked and the possibilities of players are not limited.
