Ireland Blocks Prediction Markets Site After Regulator Intervention

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland successfully intervened to have one of the world’s largest prediction markets gambling sites geoblock access from within Ireland. CEO Anne Marie Caulfield confirmed the regulator’s enforcement team targeted the site, prompting it to restrict Irish users.

A second operator is following suit or faces High Court action. The Authority is also working with Meta and Google to prevent these sites from appearing to Irish consumers, and has already secured the withdrawal of nearly 30 such sites.

Ireland is seeking “trusted flagger status” with media watchdog Coimisiún na Meán to expedite site takedowns, potentially within two hours, avoiding lengthy court proceedings. New gambling licences issued since July 1 will introduce consumer protections like gambling limits and a ban on credit card use. The regulator plans to establish a social impact fund, financed by industry levies, to support problem gambling treatment.