TLDR Ireland has launched a national risk assessment and 30-point action plan to tighten gambling oversight Remote bookmakers and private members’ clubs are flagged as high-risk for money laundering Cash use at land-based venues and the speed of digital transfers are listed as key vulnerabilities Cryptocurrency is under fresh scrutiny, with new industry-wide standards expected from the regulator Closed-loop payment systems will require customers to withdraw funds to the same account used for deposits
Ireland’s gambling regulator is rolling out a sweeping new anti-money laundering plan that targets cash, crypto, and private clubs that have long operated outside formal oversight.
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland has published a national risk assessment alongside a 30-point action plan. The goal is to close gaps in supervision and bring the country’s gambling sector in line with modern financial crime standards.
The assessment singles out remote bookmakers and private members’ clubs as high-risk for money laundering. Private members’ clubs will now require a licence, something that was not previously required under Irish law.
Cash use is listed as one of the biggest concerns. Officials say it remains attractive to those trying to hide the source of funds because it leaves no digital trail. Land-based venues with high cash volumes are seen as especially vulnerable.
Crypto and Payments in the Crosshairs
Cryptocurrency has also drawn fresh attention from regulators. The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland is expected to introduce industry-wide standards for digital assets used in gambling transactions.
Alongside this, operators will be required to adopt closed-loop payment systems. Under these rules, players must withdraw winnings to the same account they used to deposit funds, making it harder to move money through gambling platforms.
Online platforms are not off the hook either. Regulators point to the volume and speed of digital