Irish Gambling Regulatory Authority Set for Mid-2025 Launch

Last month, we discussed the Irish gambling bill, which is currently in its final stages before being passed into law. This legislation will establish the Irish Gambling Regulatory Authority, a governing body that will oversee and manage the country’s regulated betting market.

According to recent reports, the Irish Gambling Regulatory Authority is set to launch in mid-2025, which also indicates when we can expect to see the Irish gambling bill fully rolled out. Let’s find out more.

The Irish Gambling Bill

The Gambling Regulation Bill 2022, commonly referred to as the Irish gambling bill, has been in a state of limbo for some time, as politicians and policymakers thrash out the details of what will be a landmark piece of legislation.

However, after a long and drawn-out process, the bill is finally entering its final stages. The core purpose of the legislation is to overhaul the country’s current player protections and safeguarding measures. It will introduce a range of new rules and restrictions designed to reduce the rates of gambling-related harm and protect vulnerable players. These include a national self-exclusion scheme, a social impact fund and specific rules surrounding certain games, bonuses and payment methods.

The bill will also establish the Gambling Regulatory Authority, a body which will oversee the new regulations and ensure operators are adhering to new rules. Let’s look in more detail at the role of the Irish Gambling Regulatory Authority.

Overseeing Licences

Once passed, the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 will require all operators in the country to hold licences and will make it a criminal offence to operate without one. The primary role of the Irish Gambling Regulatory Authority will be to oversee these licences and ensure all operators in the country hold the correct certification.

Through the establishment of a new license framework, regulations in Ireland will be tightened. Operators must prepare for this and ensure they are operating within the confines of the laws once they come into effect.

Advertising Restrictions

The Irish Gambling Regulatory Authority will also be responsible for drawing up, overseeing and implementing new restrictions on gambling advertising. These adverts have come under heavy criticism in recent years and have been accused of failing to avoid targeting children and vulnerable players.

As a result, the overhaul of Irish gambling laws will include tighter regulations on advertising. While exact details of new advertising rules have yet to be published, they are expected to include restrictions on timing and placement. The Irish Gambling Regulatory Authority will be responsible for ensuring these new rules are followed and taking action if operators are found to be in breach.

The Final Steps

Ireland’s new Regulatory Authority is expected to be ready for launch by mid-2025. However, there are still a number of key leadership positions that must be filled before this can happen. Hiring processes are already underway for Chairperson and several key board roles. Only once this process has been completed can we expect to see the organisation begin the work of enforcing new regulations.

Conclusion

Any sort of regulatory change is big news, and the developing legislation in Ireland looks set to shake up the industry. Operators and players alike must be aware of what the new rules are before they come into force to ensure they can minimise any potential disruption.

Land-Based v Online Casinos: Can the Gap be Bridged?

Humans have enjoyed gambling games for thousands of years. Some of the most popular games today originated centuries ago, with their basic rules and mechanics remaining relatively unchanged over this span of time. However, the advent of digital technology has seen the gambling industry change rapidly.

Today, gambling can be separated into two distinct categories: land-based and online, and the divide between the two has only grown larger over time. In this article, we look at the differences between land-based v online casinos and discuss whether it’s possible to bridge the gap between them. Read on to learn more.

Land-Based Casinos: Pros and Cons

For much of human history, land-based casinos and gambling outlets were where the majority of players would enjoy their favourite games. From small gambling halls to huge resorts, land-based casinos come in many shapes and forms and can be found all over the world.

Perhaps the biggest draw of land-based casinos is the atmosphere they offer. For many people, these establishments aren’t just somewhere to gamble. They also offer unique opportunities for socialising and meeting friends.

However, these establishments can pose accessibility issues. This is a cornerstone of the land-based casinos v online casinos argument; with one of the biggest criticisms of land-based casinos being that they can be difficult or impractical to access, especially for people living in more remote areas.

Online Casinos: Pros and Cons

Online casinos started appearing towards the late 1990s. However, it’s been in recent years that these platforms have exploded in popularity. Now, experts predict the online gambling sector could attract upwards of 290 million players by the year 2029.

There are many advantages offered by online casinos, but one of the most significant is unparalleled levels of convenience. Traditionally, if a player wanted to play a game of blackjack they would have to travel to a casino. For some, this could involve travelling long distances, making for an expensive trip.

This all changed with the advent of online casinos. Now, players can access their favourite games on their laptops, phones or tablets, at any time of day and wherever they are in the world without having to leave their homes.

Another key advantage of online casinos is the sheer range of options they offer. Land-based casinos are limited by physical space, and so might only have room for a handful of game tables. Not so with online platforms, these digital casinos can have an essentially limitless number of different games for players to choose from.

While the above are certainly plus points, a downside often cited in the land-based v online casinos debate is that online casinos can sometimes lack the atmosphere of their land-based counterparts. Digital recreations of the casino games can feel a little cold and detached, without the banter and camaraderie that players experience around a physical game table.

How to Bridge the Gap

The land-based v online casinos debate continues to be a fiercely contested topic in the sector. While rivalry between the two is unavoidable, the best approach for the industry and for players is to find a way to bridge the gap between them.

In the early days of online gambling, this appeared to be an impossible task. The technology just wasn’t there for online casinos to offer the same level of experience available in land-based locations. However, technology has developed at an incredible rate, and today’s online casinos are far more immersive and realistic than those of the past.

Now, online casinos offer live games, such as live roulette and live baccarat. These are the perfect hybrid between physical and digital; featuring a live dealer who is streamed to players in remote locations. These players can interact with each other, fostering a sense of community and socialisation only previously seen in land-based casinos.

Crucially, the option of running live online games isn’t exclusive to online casinos. Land-based casinos can get in on the action too. With VIVO VLB in Resort, land-based casinos can seamlessly stream their game tables to an online player base. This is the key to bridging the gap and ending the land-based v online casinos debate once and for all. What’s more, this technology offers additional revenue streams for operators and improves accessibility for players.

Conclusion

Just a few years ago, the concept of bridging the gap between land-based and online casinos seemed fanciful at best. Now, with the power of modern technology, we’re seeing these two disparate industry segments increasingly intersect. This can only mean good things for operators and players moving forward.

Labour Government Plans UK Gambling Tax Increase

When the Labour Government secured a landslide victory in the general election, new ministers were quick to identity numerous economic and financial obstacles to overcome. In an effort to offset this ‘financial black hole’ the Treasury is reportedly considering a significant UK gambling tax increase.

Such a decision would have wide-ranging ramifications for the sector, and it’s no surprise to learn that there has been significant pushback to the proposal. Let’s take a look at the proposed UK gambling tax increase in more detail.

The Reasons Behind a UK Gambling Tax Increase

The Labour government secured a majority in the summer of 2024. As the dust settled after a hotly contested electoral campaign, Labour ministers pointed to an alleged economic mess left behind by the previous government. Since then, the Treasury has been working to address what it claims is a ‘black hole’ in public finances, with numerous ideas put forward to plug the monetary gaps.

The latest of these is a proposed UK gambling tax increase which, if passed, would see gambling tax in the country skyrocket by an eyewatering 138%, generating some £3bn in additional revenue for the government.

A Breakdown of the UK Gambling Tax Increase

The tax hike would be implemented in a number of ways. First of all, remote gaming duty, which currently sits at 21%, would increase to 50%. Next, the general betting duty tax imposed on bookies would rise from 15% to 30%.

Further details remain scarce, including a potential date of when the increase might come into effect. However, some believe that the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, will officially announce the plans in her Autumn budget speech, which she is set to deliver on 30 October this year.

The changes appear specifically weighted to target online operators in particular. According to the Treasury, gambling activities that pose a ‘lower risk of harm’, such as bingo and lottery, would not be affected by the UK gambling tax increase.

How has the Industry Reacted?

Despite some expressing doubt as to whether the proposed UK gambling tax increase would actually become reality, the news of the hike had a significant impact on the industry. with shares in major gambling firms, including Flutter and Entain, falling as a result.

Since then, there has been industry-wide condemnation of the proposal, with critics maintaining that such a tax increase would have a serious detrimental impact on the sector. Critics have cited a potential surge in black market betting, job losses and stunted industry growth as possible consequences of the tax increase.

Conclusion

Over the past several months, the Labour government has been scrambling for ways to plug what it has identified as glaring holes in the country’s finances. It would appear as if the gambling industry has become a prime target, with a proposed gambling tax increase threatening to shake-up the sector. There has been significant pushback to the news, and we can expect industry figures to continue to fight such a decision should it come to pass.

Live Dealer Casinos: Opportunities for Operators

Live dealer casinos are quickly becoming the go-to choice for online players. Offering immersive experiences with all the trappings of a modern digital game, these live dealer casino titles are among the fastest-growing games on the market today.

Much has been said about what live dealer casinos can offer players. However, as an operator, it’s important that you understand what they can offer you and your business. Let’s dive into the opportunities offered by these games and discuss why you should consider including them as part of your product line.

Attract New Players

Online gambling was once something of a fringe activity, with the vast majority of players preferring land-based casinos and retail outlets. Things couldn’t be more different today; we’re now seeing huge numbers of players on digital casino platforms, with the total number of online players expected to total more than 290 million by the year 2029.

As an operator, this means there are more potential customers than ever before. However, with more customers comes more competition. How can you stand out from the crowd and ensure players choose your platform over a competitor? There is no simple answer to this question but offering the best and most innovative games will give you the best possible chance of success.

As we mentioned earlier, live dealer casinos are increasingly popular. By including live dealer titles in your product offering, you’ll have a fantastic opportunity to target and attract new players who are looking for immersive, realistic online casino experiences. Offering these games will establish your platform as a modern and innovative online casino that players can visit to enjoy the latest and greatest titles on the market.

Target New Markets

One of the key advantages online casinos have over land-based casinos is how comparatively easy they are to scale and grow. Without the physical constraints of a land-based business, online casinos can be scaled rapidly at a fraction of the cost.

However, if you are looking to expand and target international markets, overcoming the obstacle of language barriers is something you will have to take into account. With VIVO Gaming’s dedicated gaming environments, each of your live dealer tables can offer different language options and feature native-speaking dealers.

With our live dealer games, your players can choose from over 35 different language options. These options include all major Asian languages, giving operators a fantastic opportunity to break into potentially lucrative Asian markets and jurisdictions.

Develop Your Brand

While offering the latest games and tapping into new markets can certainly help an online casino succeed, operators must also be constantly building and developing their brand if they want to stand out in what is an increasingly saturated market landscape.

Brand building can be a tricky thing to get right. It’s important that you look for opportunities to advertise and market your product wherever possible. Often, this takes the form of traditional advertising, with adverts and newsletters some of the most popular options. However, you should also look at internal branding; your customers should be exposed to your brand messaging whenever they are on your platform or playing your games.

Live dealer casinos offer a number of branding opportunities. Thanks to our customizable chromakey, our games can be fully customized to display branding specific to your online platform. You can display your logo, taglines or even messaging about current offers and promotions.

Conclusion

Live dealer casinos offer just as many benefits to operators as they do to players. The immersive, realistic gaming experiences these titles can deliver are the perfect way to attract new players to your online casino. What’s more, the multiple language options available mean you’ll be able to successfully target new markets and geographic regions, while extensive branding opportunities mean you’ll be able to effectively deliver your brand messaging while you do so.

AI Prompter Coaches Presenters in Real Time

Vivo Gaming has rolled out an AI prompter that reads the room in real time, tracking a presenter’s energy, pace and engagement and cueing them live, at frame rate.

The result is consistent, high-energy presentation across every shift and every studio, without an army of producers in every ear. The AI handles the nudge; the presenter keeps the show human.

It’s the second pillar of Vivo Gaming’s presenter-facing AI stack.

Read more about the technology behind the studios, or book a meeting with the team.

Irish Gambling Bill Enters Final Stages

The Irish gambling bill, officially titled the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022, is entering its final stages after what has been a long, drawn-out process. The bill’s finer details are being thrashed out by Irish senators before it will be enshrined in law.

Naturally, this legislation will have a significant impact on operators and players in Ireland. Let’s take a look at the Irish gambling bill in more detail and discuss what it will mean for the industry moving forward.

Focus on Player Safeguarding

The primary focus of the Irish gambling bill is player safeguarding, and the legislation is looking to introduce a raft of changes in an effort to reduce the impact of gambling-related harm on players in the country.

The first of these is a national self-exclusion scheme which will be established as part of the legislation. This will allow vulnerable players the opportunity to exclude themselves from gambling services and protect themselves from further harm.

Operators in the country may also face further restrictions, including a ban on the use of credit cards, designed to offer extra safeguarding for vulnerable players.

Additionally, the Irish gambling bill will establish a social impact fund. This will be financed by a mandatory levy and will offer support to those suffering from the impact of gambling-related harm.

Once passed, the bill will establish an organisation called the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland. This body will be responsible for overseeing gambling activity in the country and ensuring all operators adhere to laws and regulations.

Ban on Bonuses

When the bill was first proposed in December 2022, it recommended a complete ban on all kinds of gambling bonuses and promotions. This has since been scaled back, with the legislation now permitting operators to offer free bets, with restrictions on how players can be targeted.

However, some senators are recommending that a full ban on gambling bonuses and promotions be reintroduced before the bill is passed. Senator Lynn Ruane drew comparisons with other regulated industries, such as alcohol and tobacco, maintaining that the gambling sector should face similar restrictions on promotional activity.

Restricted Advertising

Another key component of the Irish gambling bill includes restrictions on advertising. While a blanket ban on all forms of advertising has been ruled out, the legislation will introduce a number of restrictions designed to limit the risk posed by these adverts.

The exact details of these restrictions are still to be finalised but will likely include rules on the time and placement of gambling adverts on TV and radio platforms.

The newly established regulatory body will be given extensive powers, allowing it to dictate when and where specific gambling adverts can run.

Conclusion

The Irish gambling bill will soon pass to the report stage, the final step before it can be passed into law. As the final details are confirmed, operators within the country must ensure they are prepared to meet new regulations. The bill puts player safety front and centre and the Irish government will hope it can reduce the impact of gambling-related harm while also allowing operators to flourish.

Auto Roulette: The Perfect Live Roulette Variant

As one of the oldest casino games, it will come as no surprise to learn that roulette has spawned countless different forms and variations. While each retains the core principle of the game, slight differences make for more exciting and engaging gameplay. Auto roulette is the perfect example.

As the operator of an online casino, deciding which games you should offer can be difficult. Auto roulette can be a fantastic addition to any casino platform. Let’s take a closer look at what the game is and discuss why it’s the perfect live roulette variant.

What is Auto Roulette?

Almost everyone, whether they play online casino games or not, is familiar with roulette. The spinning wheel is synonymous with the casino experience, and it has become an iconic image that is recognisable across the globe. However, the numerous roulette variations are less well-known, despite the fact that they often offer interesting twists on the classic game, with new features that may appeal to a broader range of players.

Live dealer roulette has really taken off in recent years. According to research conducted by the Gambling Commission, live roulette is the most popular online casino game (excluding slot games). It offers players the best of both worlds; the convenience of an online casino with the excitement and social aspects of an in-person casino game. Live auto roulette shares these exact attributes, but there is one key difference that sets it apart.

While other forms of live roulette feature a dealer who spins the wheel, auto roulette forgoes this and instead has the wheel spin automatically, with all bets and winnings calculated automatically as well.

Let’s take a look at the benefits auto roulette can offer and why it’s the perfect variant for your online casino.

Faster Gameplay

For some players, having a dealer at the table operating the equipment and handling the chips is an important part of the experience. The social aspect is important; some players enjoy being able to chat and banter with the dealer, while new players benefit from having an expert present should they have any questions.

However, no two players are the same. While some may enjoy the experience of having a dealer at the table, others may find this only slows them down. Auto roulette is the perfect option for the latter, it offers fast, seamless gameplay with no unnecessary bells and whistles.

This makes it a popular choice for experienced players who just want to get on with their game. By offering auto roulette as part of your product line, you’ll be able to attract seasoned players who are likely to spend a lot of time at the table.

A Streamlined Experience

There are numerous benefits to using real dealers for your live casino products. However, the one downside is that there is a risk, however small, of human error. A simple mistake can slow the game down and could leave some players feeling frustrated.

With auto roulette, this risk of human error is eliminated. Players can be confident that they can enjoy a seamless, streamlined experience that is fast and responsive.

Furthermore, automating the wagers means players won’t need to wait for the dealer to count chips and distribute winnings. This also makes for a more streamlined gaming experience and ensures roulette rounds can be played quickly and without delay.

Reduce Costs

Live dealer games offer unparalleled levels of realism and immersion. They are the perfect combination of digital and physical, offering players the best of both worlds. They can enjoy their favourite games from the comfort of their own homes without forgoing the ease and accessibility that only online casino services can offer.

For smaller operators, however, running multiple live dealer games can be costly. Auto roulette is a fantastic alternative as it negates the need to pay for dealers. The game is fully automated and can function with minimal human input. This makes it an excellent choice for new or small operators who need to carefully balance their budgets. It’s an affordable option that still offers many of the same benefits as dealer-operated live casino games.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a live roulette variant that will offer your players something a little bit different, look no further than auto roulette. This variation of the classic casino games is faster, more streamlined and more affordable.

Netherlands Gambling Tax Increase Set for 2025 Rollout

Authorities in the Netherlands are set to roll out a proposed tax increase for gambling operators. The move comes despite pushback, with critics maintaining that a Netherlands gambling tax increase could see some companies cease operating in the country.

In this article, we explore the Netherlands gambling tax increase in more detail and examine the potential impact the move could have on operators moving forward. Read on to learn more.

Detail of the Tax Increase

The Netherlands gambling tax increase was proposed to and agreed upon by the country’s coalition government in May 2024. Currently, the gambling tax in the country is set at 30.5% of GGR. With this increase, this figure will rise, not insignificantly, to 37.8%. According to financial forecasts, the tax hike will generate additional annual revenue of $219.6m.

The increase will be staggered and rolled out in stages to give operators time to adjust. This first stage will come into effect in January 2025, when the tax will rise to 34.2%. The final stage will roll out in January 2026, when the tax will rise to its final total of 37.8%.

The increase will apply to all regulated forms of gambling in the country, including land-based casinos, lotteries and online casinos.

What Have the Critics Said?

While the Dutch government is evidently all for the tax increase, largely because of the additional revenue opportunities it will offer, there has been considerable pushback from the gambling industry.

Consulting firm Atlas Research looked into the Netherlands gambling tax increase and analysed the potential impact it could have on the industry. In its report, Atlas Research issued a warning that the tax hike could leave some operators with no other choice but to leave the Netherlands.

Further warnings outlined the possibility that operators pass on the cost increase to players. As a result, this could see players turn to black market operators instead, if they are priced out of legitimate options.

Holland Casino, a state-owned operator, also voiced concerns about the tax increase. The company revealed that it could be forced to close down retail locations or curtail online services in the face of the hike.

What Does this Mean for Operators?

The global gambling industry is in a state of constant flux. While gambling-related laws are being relaxed in some jurisdictions, other regions are going in the opposite direction and tightening regulations. The Netherlands gambling tax increase comes just over a year after the country voted to ban gambling advertisements.

These new rules could be indicative of a cultural shift in the country, and operators must be prepared to review and update their compliance processes to ensure they are in line with the new rules. Furthermore, operators must ensure they are flexible and versatile, able to adapt to new regulations while minimising disruption to their business.

Conclusion

The Netherlands gambling tax increase is set to come into effect fully by 2026. This is despite heavy criticism from key industry figures and concerns from some that the increase could give a boost to the black market. The staggered rollout of the increase will give operators time, but they must ensure they are fully prepared to meet these new tax demands.

Vivo Gaming at SBC Summit Lisbon 2024

Vivo Gaming exhibited at SBC Summit Lisbon 2024, presenting a studio network now spanning four continents and its latest AI developments.

From result recognition to the security and risk agent, Vivo Gaming used the show to demonstrate the depth of its AI-native production.

The team meets operators and partners at events across the calendar. Book a meeting with Vivo Gaming, or explore our live dealer solutions.

RNG Games: The Perfect Live Casino Accompaniment

Live casino games like live roulette or live andar bahar can elevate your online casino platform and help you attract new players. However, modern players enjoy having plenty of options, so bolstering your offering with RNG games can help provide balance to your product line.

What are RNG games? We take a look at these products in the article below before discussing what they can offer you as an operator and your players. Read on to learn more.

What are RNG Games?

Randomness is essential in all forms of gambling, in-person or digital. Whether it’s the turn of a card or the spin of a slot machine reel, randomness is how the outcome of a player’s wager is determined. However, as gambling shifted into the digital space, one of the biggest obstacles was the emulation of this random element.

The solution to this was the introduction of RNG games. The ‘RNG’ in RNG games stands for ‘random number generator’. An RNG is an algorithm that computers can utilise to generate completely random outcomes. This makes it the perfect framework for use in digital casino table or slot games.

RNG technology has been critical to the development and growth of online gambling. Without these algorithmic systems, the online gambling sector would have been unable to reach its current heights.

Why is Randomness So Important?

When online gambling was in its early stages, it struggled to compete with the long-standing, in-person sector of the industry. One of the primary criticisms levied at online gambling concerned a perceived lack of fairness. Some players felt that digital games could be manipulated easily to favour the house. This lack of trust is extremely damaging for games, operators and the wider industry, which is why the development of RNG games was so crucial.

RNGs are the most effective way of guaranteeing randomness and, in turn, fairness in digital casino games. While the algorithms themselves ensure all outcomes are totally random, RNG games are also subject to inspection and audits to guarantee they are working correctly and delivering fair results for players.

Now that we know what RNG games are and why they’re so important, let’s look into other reasons why operators should include them as part of their product offerings.

The Popularity of Slot Games

Online slot machines are the most popular form of RNG game, and these digital slots have exploded in popularity over the past few years. According to research conducted by the Gambling Commission, online slots attracted over 4.2 million players in March 2023, an increase from the 3.6 million total recorded in March of the previous year.

These numbers clearly outline the rising popularity of online slot games, making them a fantastic addition to your online casino. VIVO Gaming’s unique partnership with the industry’s top RNG providers means you can seamlessly include some of the most popular slots on your platform to complement your live casino games.

Giving Players Options

Players today value options. With so many games available, being able to offer a wide range of choices can help your platform stand out from your direct competitors. While specialising in one particular game or format can be a valid approach, a more effective strategy can be to diversify your product line. You want your platform to be a one-stop-shop where players can enjoy any game they want, whether that’s live dealer games or RNG games.

This will ensure that players come to your platform and stay there. You reduce the risk of players discovering you don’t offer a particular game or service and turning to a competitor. By offering as many options as you can, you will boost engagement and customer loyalty.

Furthermore, online slots come in a huge variety of themes and styles. These games can be based on films, sports, books or genres such as fantasy and horror. It’s this variety that makes them so popular; there will always be a game that appeals to a particular player’s tastes.

Conclusion

RNG games are the perfect accompaniment to your live casino games. Online slots attract huge player numbers, and by offering them alongside live dealer games you will establish your platform as a comprehensive iGaming destination that has everything the modern player could want.