The technological revolution has changed the way we do almost everything, from grocery shopping to international finance. One of the most notable things that have changed is the way that we access and engage with entertainment.
Being able to do out banking and shopping online has freed up time to play games and enjoy some of the activities that were previously only available to those that had the time and money to travel. Land-based casinos offered fans a place to enjoy various games of chance, but the option to play a variety of those casino games online has proved a hugely popular one, with popular favourites including:
- Poker
- Blackjack
- Baccarat
- Craps
- Roulette
- Slots
Gaming fans are no longer bound by opening hours, friends’ availability, or even their own schedules. Online games are flexible and convenient and allow players to enjoy their favourite games from wherever they are, whenever they get a chance to play.
Gaming around the world
Gaming has become one of the most popular pastimes globally, and now that players can take advantage of the convenience of playing online, there are even more ways to be in with a chance to win. Ireland has a long history when it comes to betting and trying to beat the odds against the bookmakers.
As one of the world’s central horse-racing hubs, there is plenty of appetite for trying to beat the odds in the Emerald Isle, and casino games are no exception. Where land-based casinos have traditionally been limited to the bigger cities, there are plenty of people living in rural areas of Ireland that love the chance to pit their wits against probability to be in with a chance to win big.
The idea of the ‘luck of the Irish’ has become more and more prevalent as online casino games have become more popular. Themed games featuring shamrocks, leprechauns, and other traditionally ‘Irish’ imagery have always been popular among players, so it’s no surprise that Irish gaming fans are on board with the variety of options available.
Gambling laws in Ireland
As with any society that is hundreds of years old, the laws surrounding gambling in Ireland have had to be changed, adapted, and evolved in order to keep up with the way players access and enjoy their gaming. While traditional gambling activity has been regulated under various laws for hundreds of years, the advent of online gaming has highlighted the need to update the legal position on who can gamble and how.
Since 1956, casino gambling has been regulated and overseen through the provisions set out in the Gaming and Lotteries Act. While this technically outlawed the opening of commercial casinos in Ireland, it did allow private gaming clubs to be founded.
This meant that these ‘casinos’ were able to offer a variety of games such as poker, blackjack, and slots, to those that have become members. Most are known officially as ‘clubs’ but operate in the same way as casinos, barring the need to join up and become a member before playing any games.
Although commercial casinos are technically not allowed, playing games of chance for real money is not prohibited under Irish law, and these clubs are able to trade openly without fear of falling foul of the law. The technological revolution and the availability of online casinos forced some legislative changes to accommodate the new way of doing things that was coming into force. There are now many legal online casinos operating in Ireland, with players being able to find the best ones on BonusFinder Ireland.
Online gambling in Ireland
At the turn of the 21st century, online gambling was just becoming a more mainstream activity, and governments all over the world were scrambling to try and find ways to ensure that their citizens were protected when playing online. However, laws change relatively slowly, so it wasn’t until the Betting (Amendment) Act of 2015 that offshore sports betting was included in Irish gambling and taxation laws, making it easier for players to know what was and wasn’t legal.
This bill made it legal to offer online betting opportunities to Irish citizens, removing any confusion over whether activity taking place in cyber-space was still subject to the jurisdiction of the Irish legal system. This meant that online providers had to have a license to offer services to Irish citizens, and the new Act set out the provisions for a license to be granted.
This was a bonus for Irish gamers as not only were they able to access both local and international gaming sites perfectly legally, but they also enjoyed the protection of the licensing system. Operators are required to abide by the legislation which ensures that the games they offer are fair and that players have a proper complaints process to follow if need be.
Gamers can now choose from a variety of different sites offering a wealth of the nation’s favourite online games. The recent legislation means that players can be confident that sites such as this are all above board and operating legally.
Like any online interaction, players want to be sure that their details are safe and secure, especially when adding and withdrawing funds. Gaming is much more fun when you know that you are using a site that has all the systems in place to ensure that they are offering their players a secure environment packed with the latest and more entertaining games.
