Ireland Targets Crypto-Friendly Gambling Sector with Tighter Supervision

Ireland has launched its first National Anti-Money Laundering, Countering Financing of Terrorism and Countering Proliferation Financing Strategy. The strategy was announced by Minister for Finance Simon Harris on August 13, 2026, and aims to strengthen supervision over several sectors, including the gambling industry.

The document sets out a whole-of-government plan with five priorities: stronger national coordination, better identification of financial crime risks, a tougher regulatory framework, improved capability across the public and private sectors, and closer international cooperation.

For the gambling sector, two key measures will be implemented. First, operators must adopt a 'closed loop' payment system, where winnings are paid back through the same account used for deposits. Second, there will be an industry standard governing the acceptance of crypto assets as a source of funds, requiring operators to conduct proper due diligence and verify the legitimacy of crypto deposits.

The government has committed to bringing casino clubs that operate machine-based gambling under stricter regulations, with tighter enforcement of license conditions and anti-money laundering obligations. Harris warned that financial crime causes 'real harm' and that governments must stay ahead of new threats posed by criminal organizations using new technologies and complex international networks.