VPN usage has surged worldwide over the past decade, including in Ireland. There are many reasons behind this, not least the desire for individuals and businesses for privacy and security. There can also be individual reasons for the spike. For example, the UK saw a surge in VPN use after the introduction of online age verification laws earlier this year.
VPNs, which use an encrypted ‘tunnel’ for your internet traffic, making, among other things, your location unreadable, are perfectly legal, although their use can dive into grey areas of the law, perhaps most famously with “dodgy boxes” and “sticks” to access just about anything you want on your television.
Unlicensed casinos can be accessed with VPNs
Yet, it is clear that people in Ireland and beyond will use VPNs to access overseas casino and betting platforms, too. Part of this has been fuelled by the popularity of casino streamers on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, who often play at platforms outside normal jurisdictions. Sometimes these are crypto casinos, sometimes not.
Now, it’s not that these platforms are bad, per se, but it is worth noting that anyone using them runs a gauntlet. Legally, it’s another grey area, although the Garda Síochána is probably not going to turn up at your house to arrest you for playing slots at an unlicensed casino, yet you run risks in other areas, including the protection of your funds.
Casino.com provides casino research for Irish players
In the simplest terms, it’s always best to play at a fully licensed online casino, certainly for peace of mind. The Casino.com Ireland review and advice platform provides a useful breakdown and guides to the importance of licences, as well as highlighting the best casinos for Irish players. Their guides are well worth a read before you play, helping you understand every aspect of iGaming for the Irish player.
The licensing system can feel a bit complicated at times, but, in essence, you want a casino regulated by a body like the Irish Revenue Commissioners, the UK Gambling Commission, or the MGA (Malta Gaming Authority). Other regulators based in Gibraltar, Alderney, and the Isle of Man are usually solid for Irish players. Big brands like Paddy Power will usually hold a licence from one or two of the names listed above. You should also note that ultimate oversight and regulation is now conducted by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI).
If that’s ‘the how,’ we can now tell you the why: Holding a licence from these brands means the casino platform is held to a high standard. This means that games will be evaluated for payouts (a measurement known under the acronym RTP), the casino will have to ensure your funds are protected, and the site will meet certain security requirements. The licensees will also be compelled to offer specific player protection tools, such as account freezes and deposit limits.
A licence provides a safety net
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, a fully licensed casino provides a mechanism for mediation should a dispute arise. It is unlikely that you will enter a dispute with a casino over a game payout or similar financial issue, but it can happen from time to time. There are numerous avenues that you can pursue, ranging from contacting GRAI to independent dispute bodies (known as ADR – Alternative Dispute Resolution bodies) like eCOGRA. The scenario changes instantly if you are dealing with an unlicensed casino. Oversight and dispute bodies simply will not deal with your case.
While it is speculative, there are other risks as well. Casinos can go bust, leaving you in limbo with your funds. The majority of licensed sites keep your funds separate – they are required to do so – so they can be withdrawn, even if the platform hits financial difficulty and closes. That requirement is also missing from unlicensed sites.
We mentioned earlier that this does not mean that all unlicensed casinos – or those licensed by ‘looser’ regulatory bodies in other continents – are inherently bad. However, the safety net is no longer in place, and it could suddenly become important, even if you have played for years without thinking you would ever need it. If you’re based in Ireland, do a little research first to find the best, fully-licensed online casino for you.
