Ireland has always been a gambling centre. It remains a crucial part of its culture, especially as it includes going to the pub, having drinks, and playing casino games or betting with some pounds. However, the increasing access to technology is clearly shifting the focus away from travelling to play limited titles.
Online gambling’s steady rise in the country has been attributed to multiple factors. Access to several freebies with no closing times to wager will always be the deciding factor. But how popular has it become among the Irish? This article explores all the hidden features that have played a major role.
What is Online Gambling?
Online gambling simply refers to casino games played via the Internet. It includes wagering on a PC or smartphone, provided there’s a connection. The titles available differ from one casino site to another.
Popularity and Growth of Gambling in Ireland
The close proximity of Ireland to the United Kingdom is a major cause. The UK has the biggest regulated online gambling industry globally, with $12.5 billion worth. Virtual betting, casino games, and sports development have changed the conditions from two decades ago. Now, it is spreading to Ireland. Several players who enjoy playing on different sites always look out for top operators with the best incentives. However, an increase in scam platforms may be why gamers use SoIrishCasinos review to get suggestions on recommended providers. Besides, it is another pointer to the steady iGaming growth.
Ireland’s online gambling industry is currently worth $5 billion per year, which is impressive for a country with a small land size. Gamers also increased steadily to 30 million (2020) from 20 million in 2009. One of the major triggers for the growth is its high-speed internet coverage across affordable smartphones and other devices. Its increasing convenience ensures players can choose to wager at any time from any location.
Furthermore, with the global recovery from the recent health pandemic, many Irish players are moving away from visiting pubs to wagering. However, that innate culture remains, actively allowing them to seek alternative measures. to enjoy gaming without restrictions. Hence, most gamers in Ireland and even the UK have turned to online gambling, embracing its unique advantages.
The Benefits of Online Gambling
iGaming has several benefits, including the main triggers for the never-ending switch from land-based casinos and sports betting centres. Although the rising growth has brought challenges, it still offers amazing advantages, making players prefer the switch. Here are some benefits of iGaming in Ireland.
Convenience
While several Irish gamers enjoy the choice of playing with friends at a pub, the logistics remain an issue. This ranges from sorting out the movement to a casino of their choice and playing anytime. iGaming sites help players to enjoy their favourite games without travelling long distances.
Online casinos are always open at any time, offering increased access to favourite games from a place of comfort. While offline centres require a real money chip, these virtual operators offer a choice to play for free, which is a great option for newbies. Anyone can wager anytime without considering the challenges of leaving their comfort zones.
Freebies
Although online gambling is growing, the number of players available is smaller than that in the United Kingdom. Hence, operators are in fierce competition to attract new customers. One of the top strategies is providing bonuses.
Most online gaming sites include various promotions and rewards for gamers. It is a refreshing advantage that means no one needs to depend on their funds, which is what a land-based casino requires. From the welcome bonuses for new signups to tailored packages for sports betting and other forms of iGaming, the relief of landing extra cash to play for a chance to win is almost incredible. Offers range from free spins for slot machines to reloads and loyalty programmes.
Variety of Titles
While gambling remains part of Irish culture, players are further boosted by the opportunity to wager on new options for gaming. Players are no longer restricted to the same titles, especially with operators looking to enhance their customers’ experience. New options like slots, scratch cards, bingo, toto, keno, and table games are always released regularly.
However, one of the major challenges iGaming sites faced in the past was players complaining about missing the ambience of land-based casinos. Live gaming allows anyone to play against real opponents instead of computer simulations. Its huge benefit has also triggered online gambling growth in Ireland.
Responsible Online Gambling Practises in Ireland
The rising advantages that iGaming brings to the Irish people also come with disadvantages. The challenges are the chances of developing an unhealthy addiction, which often comes with severe economic and social consequences. Recent statistics from the Health Service Executive show 40,000+ Irish players are always at risk of developing gambling problems. Here are some routes by which the government is combating the situation.
Counselling
Several players with gambling issues can access support from national services. This includes support groups, while many professional counselling organisations also assist gamers struggling with addiction. By law, all online gambling sites must attach contacts to these helpers for customers to easily access and get help.
Restrictions
The remote convenience and increased privacy internet casinos offer mean anyone can wager what they want. Top among them includes betting with large sums. Since gambling is not a win-win situation, this impending strike also puts players at risk of losing money.
Most iGaming sites introduce limits across several key gaming areas to combat the menace. Options include restrictions on deposits, betting, and playing time. In a way, gamers can place a maximum on what they spend at the casinos, with no option of renewing it for a certain time frame. This particular practice has become popular in Ireland since it provides an opportunity to promote responsible gaming.
Regulations and Laws Surrounding Online Gambling in Ireland
To effectively regulate gambling, there are many laws in Ireland. This borders on numerous issues, including regulation and taxation. Here are some crucial legislation routes that control the level of iGaming in Ireland.
Licensing and Regulation
The Betting Act of 2015 mandates all operators to have a licence before operating in Ireland. There are three different permits for which stiff penalties are available if not adhered to.
- Licence from retail bookmakers
- Licence for betting exchange platforms (operators who assist customers)
- Licence for remote betting platforms in the country.
Casinos and sports betting platforms that do not have a licence could pay up to €150,000 for first-time offences and €300,000 for repeaters. Moreover, the government has a national regulator through the Irish Gambling Control Bill. This body is responsible for licensing operators as well as regulating their activities.
Taxation
An amendment to the Betting Act of 1931 in 2015 and 2019 seeks to generate funds for the government. It mandates operators to pay up to 2% of gross revenue in taxes. This has helped to smooth the playing field for all stakeholders, especially those looking to increase their hold in the industry.
Conclusion
Online gambling’s rising influence in Ireland has exciting future prospects. Top among them is the option of enjoying different titles and bonuses, thanks to accessible technology. While this phase is not new, the increasing innovations will only strengthen online gaming in the country.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
