Irish Casino Industry Could Hit €1.26bn By 2028, a Study Reveals

Gamble Critic recently released a report anticipating the Irish gambling sector to reach €1.26 billion within the next few years.

This agrees with a study by Statista that expects the industry to increase , projecting it to grow by a CAGR of about 2.78%. On top of that, Gamble Critic expects the number of online casino game players in the country to reach 474,100 by 2028.

For those curious about the reasons behind these optimistic projections, this article will delve into the various factors, such as technological advancements, which are driving this growth. But first, let us examine the rising popularity of online gambling in Ireland.

The Surge of Online Gambling in Ireland

It is clear that online platforms have played a key role in advancing this industry, mainly because of the easy access and convenience they offer. Additionally, online casinos that encourage responsible gambling have become more popular, ensuring that entertainment and safety go together.

A recent study by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) found over 3.3% of the country’s adult population suffers from problem gambling. According to the report, this figure was more than it was previously believed, revealing the need to ensure safe practices as players gamble. That is why tools like self-exclusion options, deposit limits, and real-time monitoring are becoming more common in the industry, making it more appealing to players. Interestingly, Ireland has been ranked as the fourth most active gambling country in the EU, making up about 2.6% of Europe's total online gambling revenue. Additionally, Irish gamblers spend around €670 each year on gambling.

The Role of Mobile Devices

Deloitte's 2024 study found that 96% of people in Ireland own a mobile phone, up from 94% the year before. These devices allow you to access entertainment anywhere, whether you are on the move or at home. This convenience helps more people join the industry, driving growth. No one wants to use a platform that is not mobile-friendly, and casinos are aware of this fact. It is no surprise that Irish casinos are creating responsive designs to meet this demand. These designs allow their platforms to adjust automatically to different screen sizes, offering smooth access to entertainment on any device. Because these user-friendly experiences can boost retention so that more players might join and stay engaged with the industry.

Fortunately, there has been a strong effort to make sure all Irish citizens have access to good internet . As the casino industry keeps innovating, new games that need fast internet speeds are appearing. With the Irish government's support for expanding high-quality internet, the casino sector has a great chance to grow even further.

The Prevailing Emphasis on Online Safety

Cyberattacks are rising quickly worldwide, including in Ireland. A report from Exploding Topics noted over 940,000 attacks happen daily. This shows how crucial online safety is, and as the Irish casino industry manages more customer information, the need for strong online protection grows. No one wants to deal with problems that could be avoided. A single security breach can have cause considerable financial damage, not to mention the damage to a company's reputation.

Naturally, people avoid brands that could harm them. Irish casinos understand this and are using advanced technologies to enhance security. For example, two-factor authentication (2FA) can cut down exposure to security threats while SSL encryption improves safety by making internet communication unreadable, thus preventing unauthorized access. Additionally, some operators are using technologies like artificial intelligence to attract more users. AI can analyse large data sets in real time to stay ahead of threats, making the industry more appealing to those concerned about security.

Providing Better Player Experiences

In addition to boosting security, AI technology can enhance the player experience. Many players stay loyal to a platform because of their positive experiences, which is crucial in a competitive industry like casinos. AI allows you to gather useful customer information to customize player experiences and this can lead to increased consumer engagement as they appreciate when brands understand them better. This could push more operators to use AI, improving customer satisfaction and retention, which would drive industry growth.

It is clear that the Irish casino industry is on the rise. The simple convenience of online platforms is now complemented by personalized and engaging experiences. Moreover, the increased focus on online security can build trust and attract more players, contributing to the industry's growth, as numerous studies predict.