22 January 2026
By Roger Kennedy
roger@TheCork.ie
Entertainment
The Irish online gambling market has seen significant growth in recent years. New online casinos are launching regularly to capture a share of the expanding igaming sector. For players considering these fresh platforms, safety concerns naturally arise. While new casinos can offer exciting bonuses and modern features, they also present unique risks that established operators have already addressed through years of operation.
The Current State of Irish Online Gambling Regulation
Unlike many EU countries with comprehensive online gambling regulations in place, Ireland still operates primarily under the Betting Act 1931 and Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956. The long-awaited Gambling Regulation Bill, which would establish a dedicated regulator and modern licensing system, has been in development for years but hasn’t yet been fully implemented. While it’s likely to happen in 2026-27, a final date is still not set.
This means every new casino online Ireland operates under licenses from other jurisdictions—primarily Malta, Gibraltar, and Curacao. Each jurisdiction has a different set of requirements, with some being strict and others very lenient.
According to industry data, €1.17 billion was forecasted for online gambling in Ireland in 2025, most of which was on offshore platforms. This amounts to 40% of all gambling in the country. As this is not taxed in Ireland, millions in taxes are currently going abroad.
Risk Factors Specific to New Operators
New online casinos face particular challenges that can impact player safety. Financial instability represents a primary concern. Operators without established revenue streams may struggle to pay out winnings during their first year of operation.
According to The Street, roughly 70% of new online gambling operators fail within their first two years of operation. Many have unresolved player disputes.
This may sound like a lot, but if we consider the large number of new casinos launching on a monthly basis, it makes sense. They can’t all manage to get a sufficient player base to keep them going.
The differences between online casinos blur with every passing year. Most of them are created by larger mother companies that have tens or hundreds casinos under their belt. They use the same plug-and-play-based website with the same design templates, bonus offers, license, games, support and payment methods. If you play at one of them, you have essentially played at them all.
Essential Precautions for Players
Playing at a new online casino isn’t necessarily dangerous. But one should play smart and take some precautions to prevent potential problems.
Before depositing money at any new Irish casino, verify that the operator holds a license from a reputable jurisdiction. Malta Gaming Authority and UK Gambling Commission licenses indicate rigorous oversight, including segregated player funds and regular financial audits. Curacao licenses, while common, provide significantly weaker consumer protection.
You should check how long the parent company has operated in the gambling industry. Many “new” casinos are actually subsidiaries of established operators launching additional brands. These carry substantially less risk than genuinely new market entrants as they have both experience and a larger wallet supporting them. Furthermore, if you know you had issues with other casinos under the same owner, you’d better look elsewhere sooner rather than later. Corporate registration information should be readily available on the casino’s website, and if it’s not, take it as a warning sign.
Test withdrawal processes with small amounts before making larger deposits. A casino’s true reliability becomes apparent when money moves from their accounts to yours. Processing times exceeding five business days or requests for excessive documentation may indicate cash flow problems or deliberate stalling tactics. If they pay out promptly, it’s usually a good sign they got things figured out.
A casino bonus is attractive to many players, but unrealistic bonus offers, such as 500% matches wager-free, likely mask predatory terms buried in fine print. Legitimate casinos operate on margins that make such generosity impossible. They will offer a bonus too, but usually far lesser ones.
While new platforms can provide excellent experiences, especially those backed by established companies, the inherent risks demand a cautious, informed approach that prioritises security over novelty. The new casino you have found may be excellent—but do your research first. If you’re brand new to gambling and don’t yet know the red flags, start with established brands with a good track record. They may not be hot and trendy right now, but at least you know what to expect.