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Ireland’s New Gambling Laws: A Challenge for Online Poker in 2025

Ireland’s New Gambling Laws: A Challenge for Online Poker in 2025
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Iva Dozet News Editor
  • Fact Checked by: PokerListings
  • Last updated on: January 16, 2025 · 2 minutes to read

Ireland has always had a soft spot for poker. If it’s not the tables at the Irish Poker Open then its online poker platforms like PokerStars and GGPoker – the game is a big part of the culture. But with the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 kicking into effect in October 2025, things are about to change. While the new rules aim to protect players and bring in Ireland’s first gambling regulator, some of the proposed limits could shake up online poker as we know it.

The Key Changes

While nothing is certain for now, here is where Irish Poker stands at the moment – the current Act puts poker under the same rules as casino games, which means a maximum stake of €10 and a win cap of €3,000.

Try thinking about it like this: a simple €50 buy-in tournament could cross the €3,000 prize limit, making it impossible to run. And what about higher-stakes cash games? They’d be off the table too. And formats like lottery Sit-and-Go’s could also vanish. If the rules stick, online poker in Ireland might end up looking very different — and not in a good way.

Industry Response

The poker world isn’t taking this lying down. Poker giants, like PokerStars and GGPoker, are pushing back. For now, PokerStars and GGPoker are working with the newly-created Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) and trying to show that poker isn’t another casino game — it’s a skill-based competition that deserves its own rules and regulations

As of this article, the GRAI still seems to be ironing out the details. Consultations are scheduled for early 2025, giving operators and players a chance to make their case. It’s a glimmer of hope, but still far from a guarantee that poker will get the carve-outs it needs.

What’s at Stake for Players?

If you’re a regular player, this is where it hits home. The €10 stake limit means cash games would be stuck at micro-stakes — forget about anything higher. Tournaments? Prize pools over €3,000 would be off the menu, which cuts out a ton of options for players who enjoy the thrill of bigger events.

The worst-case scenario would be players heading to unregulated sites to find the games they want. That’s not just bad for the players—it’s the opposite of what the new rules are supposed to achieve.

Timeline and Next Steps

Here’s where we’re at: the Gambling Regulation Act was signed into law in October 2024. The next steps would include finalizing the fine details in mid-2025 and licensing for operators beginning before the October 2025 start date.

During this time, the poker community—from operators to everyday players — has a shot at influencing the final outcome. The big hope is for the regulations to recognize that poker isn’t the same as spinning slots or playing blackjack. Whether that happens, though, is still up in the air.

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