Ireland’s Online Gambling Market Shows Strong Growth in 2025

Ireland’s online gambling market is expanding fast in 2025. Clearer rules, new technology, and strong player interest are driving steady growth. The industry is becoming more structured as the country puts new regulations in place.

A New Regulator Is Now In Charge

Ireland created the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. The authority began work in March 2025. GRAI will license and supervise all gambling activities in the country. This includes both land-based and online sectors.

The regulator plans to become fully self-funded by 2027 through license fees and regulatory charges. A key project is the national gambling exclusion register. This will allow players to block access to gambling across all licensed platforms. The system is designed to improve safety and reduce gambling harm.

A Market Worth Billions

Ireland’s gambling market has been steadily growing in recent years, with the total revenue of the industry set to reach around $2.69 billion this year. Current projections put it on course to reach $2.99 billion by 2030, forecasting an annual growth of around 2%. This, paired with the estimated 5.6 million users in 2030 demonstrates the high expectations for growth in the country.

While the figures are dwarfed by larger markets such as the US, which boasts revenues around 50x those in Ireland, when population size is accounted for the Irish market’s performance and projected growth is hugely encouraging for those in the industry.

Of the total revenue, around 40% is now being generated from online sources, which is predicted to rise in the coming years, although currently the consensus is that offline will maintain its dominance.

These figures might seem enormous to the average punter, but considering the market is still very much in its infancy and is yet to reach the complexity of regions like the UK, it’s little wonder that many are hanging their hats on a boom for online gambling in Ireland.

Why Ireland’s Online Market Is Growing

There are several clear reasons behind the rise of online gambling in the country.

High Internet and Smartphone Access

Ireland has strong internet coverage and high smartphone usage.  Many players enjoy the ease of playing from home or while travelling. Mobile devices have made playing at an online casino in Ireland far more accessible.

Stronger Rules Build More Trust

Players feel safer when the system is well-regulated. GRAI is bringing in new licensing standards along with strict compliance checks. A Social Impact Fund will support programs related to research, education, and treatment. These steps create more trust in the regulated environment.

More Games and Better Technology

Online platforms now offer a wide variety of slots, table games, and live dealer rooms.
Games load faster, and websites run smoothly on mobile devices. Many operators have shifted fully to mobile-first design because most players prefer mobile play.

Economic Benefits

The sector supports the Irish economy through taxes, license fees, and employment. Investment in technology, customer support, and compliance is also increasing.

Challenges Still Exist

The market is growing fast, but there are still issues to manage. Perhaps the most salient of these is the expectation of growth in a responsible manner. Gambling can be a controversial and sensitive topic, so it’s vital that new operators moving into the Irish market don’t prioritise revenue at all costs. Not only would they face issues from GRAI, but it would cause damage to public perception, and lead to further challenges scaling in the future.

The development of the Irish market very much hinges on putting player safety at the core of everything. Responsible gambling is a big talking point in all countries with regulated gambling markets, and it’s an essential part of achieving sustainable growth through player protection.

What This Growth Means for the Industry

Operators must build strong mobile-friendly platforms. Regulators will continue to monitor advertising, bonuses, and game design. Players will gain access to more safety tools such as spending limits and self-exclusion features. Ireland’s regulatory model may inspire other European countries.

What To Expect Next

The Irish online gambling market will continue to change over the next few years. GRAI will expand its full licensing system through 2026. More platforms will focus on mobile play.
Live dealer games and interactive options will grow. Player protection rules will increase with new reporting tools. Tax and fee adjustments may also appear as the market becomes more regulated.

Final Thoughts

Ireland is shaping a modern and responsible online gambling system. Strong regulation, advanced technology, and high player interest are supporting steady development. With GRAI now active, the market is moving toward more stability and trust. Ireland is becoming a key online gambling market to watch in Europe.

By GamesAndCasino