Compliance Updates

Ireland’s New Gambling Regulator to Begin Work on Phased Basis Next Year

Published

1 year ago

November 1, 2024

ireland’s-new-gambling-regulator-to-begin-work-on-phased-basis-next-year

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Ireland’s new gambling regulator is likely to begin overseeing betting businesses in the Republic midway through next year, industry figures predict.

President Micheal D Higgins recently signed the new Gambling Regulation Act, which overhauls licensing and creates a new authority to govern betting firms, into law. Industry figures forecast that the new regime should begin operating midway through next year, a key point for many businesses as they will have to renew online betting licences by that time.

Government also has to pass several milestones before the new Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland can start functioning, including appointing the seven people the body requires.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee appointed senior civil servant Anne Marie Caulfield as chief executive designate of the authority in summer 2022. Her office has 11 staff. According to the Department of Justice, the State’s Public Appointments Service will shortly begin recruiting the authority’s seven members.

The Minister will appoint the candidates the service recommends.

The department could not say when the authority would start regulating but noted this would happen in a phased “timely manner” after its establishment.

Jack Chambers, Minister for Finance, earmarked €9.1 million for the authority next year in this month’s budget. That includes €4 million for technology.

Ms Caulfield wrote to industry organisations last week confirming that her organisation would begin its work on a “phased basis” but pointing out that it has already completed many preparations. In a statement she said that the authority was committed to keeping the industry fully informed so businesses can “plan for the new regulatory regime”.

Meanwhile, the Public Service Appointments Service last week advertised for someone to head the authority’s social fund. Under the new law’s provisions, betting businesses will contribute to this fund which the authority will use to tackle problem gambling.

Betting businesses regard the fund’s establishment as one of the key steps towards establishing the new regime.

Alongside that, they say that the authority will also have to set up its new licensing system. The law demands that all gambling businesses operating in the Republic be licensed and makes it a criminal offence to operate without a proper permit.

Lawyers at Arthur Cox recently noted that current permits are preserved until licensing sections of the act come into force. Existing high street and online bookies’ licences will have a run-off period, but lawyers said that how this would work in practice depended on how the regulator developed the new system.

Betting businesses are keen that the authority works on a national self-exclusion register for customers who voluntarily ask bookmakers not to take their bets. Currently, most individual bookies have systems where customers who fear they have a problem, or are at risk, can exclude themselves in this way.

The post Ireland’s New Gambling Regulator to Begin Work on Phased Basis Next Year appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Related Topics:Compliance Updates latest-news

Up Next

LALIGA Becomes Superbet’s Official Partner in Romania

Don't Miss

Dutch Mental Health Care Calls for Total Ban on Online Gambling Advertising

3 Oaks Gaming

3 Oaks Gaming Enters Spanish Market

Published

2 days ago

February 13, 2026

Wladimir P.

3 Oaks Gaming, an established distributor of iGaming content, has entered the Spanish market after securing certification to supply its slot portfolio in the region.

This approval enables Spanish-licensed operators to integrate more than 20 of 3 Oaks Gaming’s games, bringing some of the distributor’s most recognised slots to local players.

Certified titles available include recent releases such as 4 Pots of Egypt: Hold and Win, Rush for Gold, and Egypt Power. The portfolio showcases 3 Oaks Gaming’s signature Hold & Win mechanic alongside Scatter Pays and its increasingly popular 3 and 4 Pot models, delivering engaging gameplay certified for the Spanish market.

Securing the Spanish certification represents a significant step in 3 Oaks Gaming’s ongoing European growth strategy, supporting its expansion across established and regulated markets.

By entering Spain with a robust, fully approved portfolio, the distributor underlines its commitment to compliance while offering operators content that is aligned with local market requirements and player preferences.

Krasimir Pankovski, Head of Sales at 3 Oaks Gaming, said: “Spain is a strategically important regulated market for us, and obtaining certification here marks an important milestone in our growth journey. By launching a diverse range of certified titles, we are giving Spanish-licenced operators the flexibility to offer engaging content while meeting the highest regulatory standards.”

The post 3 Oaks Gaming Enters Spanish Market appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Compliance Updates

Dutch Regulator KSA Warns Operators Over “Early Payout” Feature

Published

2 days ago

February 13, 2026

Wladimir P.

The Dutch Gambling Regulator (KSA) has contacted several online sports betting providers regarding incomplete information about the “early payout” feature. The “early payout” feature allows a bet to be considered won before the match has officially ended. This feature is not available in the event of a draw. The KSA found that several providers failed to communicate this sufficiently, making it appear as if players could also use this option for draws.

Early payout

The Early Payout feature allows players to declare their bet a winner if their team has a two-goal lead during the match, regardless of the final result. The odds for Early Payout bets are lower than those for regular bets. The problem arises when this option appears to be offered for draw bets, as there is no team with a lead.

Unclear information leads to confusion

Providers also promote lower odds for draws under the “early payout” feature. The providers’ terms and conditions then state that early payouts are not possible for draws, but this isn’t always clearly communicated when placing the bet. This creates confusion among players, who may assume that early payouts also apply to draws.

Obligation to provide clear information

Providers are required to provide clear and understandable information about the possible outcomes of a bet, including the associated terms and conditions. The KSA determined that providers were not complying with this obligation when providing information about the “early payout” feature. Providers that offer this feature have been contacted and have improved their communication so that players are now more clearly informed about the limitations of early payout for bets on draws.

The post Dutch Regulator KSA Warns Operators Over “Early Payout” Feature appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

3 Oaks Gaming

3 Oaks Gaming Secures Registration from MINCETUR to Enter the Regulated Peruvian Market

Published

2 days ago

February 13, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

3-oaks-gaming-secures-registration-from-mincetur-to-enter-the-regulated-peruvian-market

3 Oaks Gaming, an established distributor of iGaming content, has expanded its footprint in the Latin American market after securing registration from MINCETUR, allowing the company to supply 56 of its titles in the regulated Peruvian market.

This approval permits Peru-licensed operators to integrate a range of 3 Oaks Gaming titles, bringing some of the distributor’s most recognised and top-performing games to local players.

The registration marks an important step in 3 Oaks Gaming’s broader LatAm expansion strategy. By entering Peru with a fully approved portfolio, the distributor continues to strengthen its presence in regulated markets and support operators with localised content tailored to regional player preferences.

Krasimir Pankovski, Head of Sales at 3 Oaks Gaming, said: “Peru is one of the most dynamic regulated markets in LatAm, and achieving registration here significantly enhances our regional footprint.”

The post 3 Oaks Gaming Secures Registration from MINCETUR to Enter the Regulated Peruvian Market appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.