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Are casinos without a Irish license considered legal?
Since July 2021, casino operators have the opportunity to apply for a Irish license. However, this does not mean that online casinos without a Irish license have suddenly become illegal – it will take some time for the Irish gambling market to be fully regulated. Currently, you can play legally in online casinos with an EU license, such as the one issued by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). So, don't worry about the legality, you can enjoy your favorite games without any concerns.
- As of June 2021, Ireland has implemented legislation to regulate online gambling.
- Irish-licensed casinos are subject to strict regulations, whereas casinos with foreign licenses can still offer advantages like jackpots and higher bonuses.
- Irish licensed casinos will increasingly focus on player protection, but the government has yet to issue any Irish licenses.
- As a player, you can still enjoy playing in online casinos without a Irish license.
Casinos without a Irish license versus casinos with a Irish license.
In the future, Irish players will have the option to choose between casinos licensed in Ireland and those licensed by a foreign authority. As a player, it may be tempting to play at casinos without a Irish license because they still offer familiar features such as live casino games and progressive jackpots. However, casinos with a Irish license are no longer allowed to offer such things. But the Irish license also provides advantages for online players, like enhanced security and player protection.
Here you can compare the two types of online casinos and determine which provider is right for you.
| Irish license | European/Other License | |
|---|---|---|
| Advantages |
|
|
| Disadvantages |
|
|
| Betting limit | 1000 € / month €1/spin |
No |
| Game breaks | 5 minutes per hour | No |
| Player protection | Activity file and player lockout system for the prevention of gambling addiction. | Mostly indication of gambling addiction risk and content for player information. |
| Self-ban by player | 24-hour lock can be activated with one click using the panic button. | Only possible upon request. |
| Odds of winning | Average 87% | Average 96% |
| Game selection | Slot machines, online poker | Depending on the provider, slot machines, progressive jackpots, table games, and live games are available. |
Why are there casinos without a license?
The reason behind the ongoing discussion surrounding online casino licenses is a new law that came into effect nationwide in July 2021.
For the first time in the history of Irish gambling, online casinos will be legally regulated through the so-called gambling re-regulation.
Previously, Irish gambling laws only applied to gaming halls, arcades, and casinos.
Which casinos hold a Irish license?
Since the new regulations for online gambling have only recently come into effect, there are currently no providers who have obtained a Irish license.
Because of these strict regulations, one must apply for this license and will only receive it if they adhere to the guidelines closely. Providers who already possess a license, such as those granted by the European Malta Gaming Authority, have little motivation to comply with the new directives.
Is gambling in casinos without a license considered illegal?
There is a significant difference between casinos without a Irish license and those that don't have any license at all. While it is advisable to steer clear of unscrupulous providers without licensing, most online casinos with an EU license are absolutely trustworthy.
If, for instance, a provider is regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), it falls under European law, ensuring that you, as a player, receive a level of protection that may be slightly lower than that in Irish casinos, but still creates a reputable and fair gaming environment.
What type of players are suitable for casinos with no limits?
- High rollers
- Bonus hunter
- Fans of live games
- Regular players who would like to play in a familiar environment.
- Players who have good bankroll management and self-control.
Here are some important things to consider when playing in non-Irish licensed casinos.
The top slot machines with no limits or playing breaks.
Are casinos without a Irish license allowed legally? A glimpse into the future.
Online gambling has only recently become regulated in Ireland – the new gambling ordinance came into effect on July 1, 2021, which also applies to online casinos. So far, the Irish government has not issued any licenses, and it remains to be seen how many providers will actually apply for such a license.
With many customers feeling that regulations are diminishing the fun of playing, foreign licensed casinos remain highly popular. So far, this has not posed any issues for players.
If you're playing at online casinos without a Irish license from Ireland, you're not doing anything wrong. The legal gray area in which online casinos were operating before the new regulations still exists. Only after a two-year transitional period, which ends in 2023, could playing at such providers become illegal. But for now, you're safe to enjoy your gaming experience without worrying about breaking any laws.
As of 2023, the Irish gambling authority, currently being established in Saxony-Anhalt, will oversee the entire online gambling industry. From that point on, stricter regulations will be enforced, and the compliance of providers will be more closely monitored. However, the question of whether EU regulations will still apply despite the new Irish regulations remains open. So, the situation continues to be intriguing.
frequently asked Questions
Currently, no provider in the Irish market has implemented betting limits for slot machines. To comply with regulations, providers will soon have to introduce a betting limit of one euro per game round – however, it will take some time to implement this rule. Since the Irish government has not yet issued licenses for online gambling providers, you can find slot machines in almost all casinos without strict betting limits.
As an American player, there are currently many providers that do not enforce a gambling pause. The new gambling regulation in the United States has only recently come into effect, and the market is slowly being regulated. So, at the moment, you can play without a gambling pause at almost all providers - you can find the best online casinos in the rankings on this page.
It is widely believed by experts that anonymous payments will not be possible in Irish-licensed casinos. After all, one of the main goals of regulation is to protect players from gambling addiction and financial problems by monitoring their gaming behavior. Currently, most providers still offer anonymous payment methods such as PaysafeCard. Additionally, casinos like 22Bet and Zet Casino, which accept cryptocurrency payments, are suitable for players who desire anonymity.
Offering table games and live casino games is no longer possible with a Irish license. Currently, there are still many providers for Irish players who have a foreign license and can therefore offer table games. Among the providers we have tested with an EU license from the Malta Gaming Authority, there are still some providers like Twin, Energy Casino, and Betzest that offer table games.
All the online casinos recommended by our editors on this site are tax-free for Irish players. Since these providers do not have a Irish license but are regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority, no tax is levied on Irish players here. You can play with these providers as usual. Rest assured, you won't have to worry about any taxes while enjoying your gaming experience. The top priority is to provide you with a seamless and enjoyable gambling experience without any financial burdens.
