Ireland tightens gambling and crypto AML controls

Ireland is preparing a national anti-money laundering strategy that will bring tighter controls to gambling and cryptocurrency transactions, while giving authorities broader powers to share intelligence on suspected financial crime.

The measures form part of a government response to risks identified in the 2026 National Risk Assessment on Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Proliferation Financing. That assessment found a moderate money-laundering threat, with criminal groups using established cash-based methods alongside crypto assets and money-mule networks.

Gambling Faces Closer Scrutiny

Gambling operators will face stronger anti-money laundering oversight under the new strategy. The government also plans a “more robust regulatory framework” for casinos offering machine-based gambling, together with tighter enforcement of licence conditions.

Cryptocurrency will receive particular attention. Gambling firms are expected to carry out due diligence on crypto-related transactions so operators can establish where funds originate. The wider strategy will also strengthen anti-money laundering requirements for crypto assets and transfers.

The government intends to increase transparency around company ownership. Planned measures include mandatory disclosure of the ultimate beneficial owners of all limited partnerships, addressing situations in which complex corporate structures can obscure who controls an entity.

The Central Bank of Ireland will also develop a “systematic understanding” of how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, can create vulnerabilities or support stronger financial-crime defences.

Wider Powers And Information Sharing

A major part of the strategy will involve cooperation between bodies responsible for financial and criminal investigations. Intelligence sharing will expand between Government departments, the Garda, the Financial Intelligence Unit, Revenue, the Criminal Assets Bureau, the Central Bank and financial institutions when money laundering is suspected.

The strategy follows recently agreed EU anti-money laundering legislation and the national risk assessment. It also comes amid an international investigation into the Dubai-based Kinahan cartel, with Irish police working with overseas agencies to trace assets and assist with potential seizures.

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris said the strategy “underpins the most significant strengthening of Ireland’s anti-money laundering framework in years”.

He added: “It will give our law enforcement agencies stronger tools, improve intelligence sharing across the State, strengthen oversight of emerging risks and ensure Ireland continues to meet the highest international standards.

“Today’s launch sends a clear message: Ireland will not be a safe place to launder criminal proceeds.”

Gambling Regulation Enters A New Phase

The changes arrive as Ireland implements a broader overhaul of gambling regulation. The new Irish Remote Betting Licence framework came into effect in July under the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, following the Gambling Regulation Act 2024.

From July 1, operators have needed a B2C Betting Licence to continue offering sports betting. Other gambling categories will move to the new system in stages, with applications for gaming, lotteries, B2B and charitable licences scheduled to open between 2027 and 2028.

The regulator is also considering enforcement against “one of the largest prediction market operators” in the world over alleged unlawful targeting of Irish users.

Harris said the wider strategy will “strengthen Ireland’s ability to detect, prevent and disrupt money laundering, terrorist financing and other forms of financial crime while protecting citizens, businesses and the integrity of Ireland’s financial system.”

Source:

“New anti-money laundering rules target gambling industry”, rte.ie, August 13, 2026