Online casinos are legal and regulated in both Ireland and the UK, each overseen by dedicated regulatory bodies—the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland and the UK Gambling Commission, respectively. Ireland introduced its Gambling Regulation Bill in 2022, establishing strict rules such as bans on credit card gambling, social media ads, and certain promotions, alongside support services like the National Gambling Exclusion Register. Similarly, the UK Gambling Commission enforces licensing, offers a self-exclusion scheme, and has introduced new 2024-2025 bans on slot game features and stricter age and financial checks to enhance player protection.
Both countries share similar gaming preferences, with sports betting (notably horse racing, football, and rugby) and mobile slot gaming being particularly popular. Other favored games include bingo, poker, blackjack, and roulette. While gaming trends are largely aligned, regulatory changes—especially in the UK—may influence future preferences, such as potentially increasing slot game popularity in Ireland. Overall, the online gambling markets in both nations are evolving, with ongoing legal updates expected as the industry grows.
