Ireland Sets Out Plan to Tackle Financial Crime in Gambling

Gambling Risks Move Higher

The Irish government has released a new assessment of financial crime risks. It also published a 30-point action plan covering several sectors. Remote bookmakers are now classed as having a significant risk of money laundering. Private members' gambling clubs have also been moved into the same higher-risk group.

This is a change from earlier assessments completed in 2018 and 2019. Finance Minister Simon Harris said criminals are becoming more skilled. They are using new technology and operating across borders — making financial crime harder to detect.

Regulator Gets More Powers

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland will have a bigger role under the new plan. The regulator was created in March 2025 and will oversee more parts of the gambling sector. Several new measures are planned:

• Licences for private gambling clubs

• Stronger anti-money laundering checks

• New rules for cryptocurrency funds

• Closed-loop payment systems

Tougher Rules for Crypto and Payments

The government has highlighted cryptocurrency as a growing concern. Officials want gambling businesses to carry out more checks when users deposit digital assets. The regulator will help create standards for these reviews.

Under a closed-loop system, users must withdraw money to the same account used for deposits. Officials believe this could make suspicious activity easier to spot. Meanwhile, casinos with gaming machines may face stricter supervision — although full details have not yet been released.

Online and Land-Based Gambling Face Risks

The assessment found risks across the gambling market. Cash transactions remain a concern because they are harder to track. Officials believe this may increase the risk of money laundering in land-based venues.

Large numbers of transactions take place every day — creating more opportunities for illegal activity to go unnoticed. Government figures from 2023 show the scale of the sector. Retail bookmakers generated about €2.4 billion in revenue. Online casinos generated around €2.6 billion.

Building a Stronger System

The action plan calls for closer cooperation between several public bodies. Police, tax authorities, the central bank, regulators, and government departments will work together to carry out the reforms.

Hence, the GRAI is expected to become the main regulator for all gambling sectors. More consultations and new rules are expected in the coming months. For now, Ireland is taking steps to strengthen oversight — and make it harder for financial crime to enter the gambling industry.