Ireland is set to strengthen its anti-money laundering (AML) framework for the gambling sector, introducing tougher oversight of gambling operators and enhanced scrutiny of cryptocurrency-related transactions as part of a broader effort to combat financial crime.
The measures form part of the Government’s new National Strategy on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism, which will be unveiled by Finance Minister Simon Harris.
Stronger Oversight for Gambling Operators
Under the strategy, gambling businesses—including casino clubs offering machine-based gambling—will be subject to a more robust regulatory framework and stricter enforcement of both licensing conditions and anti-money laundering obligations.
The Government aims to reinforce existing safeguards to make it more difficult for criminal organisations to move illicit funds through the gambling sector or exploit regulatory gaps.
New Standards for Cryptocurrency
The strategy also introduces new expectations for gambling operators that accept cryptocurrency-linked funds.
Operators will be required to apply enhanced due diligence measures to verify the legitimacy of crypto-related transactions and establish the source of customer funds before accepting them.
The move reflects growing regulatory concern over the potential misuse of digital assets in money laundering and terrorist financing, while aligning Ireland’s gambling sector with broader efforts to strengthen financial crime controls.
The new measures signal the Government’s intention to place greater emphasis on transparency, customer due diligence, and risk-based compliance across the country’s regulated gambling industry.
