Ireland introduces new anti-money laundering rules target gambling industry
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New anti-money laundering rules are set to be introduced in Ireland as part of a wide-reaching nationwide crackdown.
The Irish Government is aiming to target attempts by criminal gangs and terrorist organisations to legitimise money through the gambling industry, cryptocurrencies and other routes.
The deputy prime minister of Ireland and Minister for Finance Simon Harris will announce the rules as part of Ireland’s first national anti-money laundering strategy, saying the changes will send the message that Ireland will “not be a safe place to launder criminal proceeds”.
The strategy, which builds on plans announced earlier this year, is intended to help strengthen Ireland’s defences against money laundering, terrorist financing and other areas of criminality.
This follows the recently published 2026 National Risk Assessment on Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Proliferation Financing as well as recently agreed anti-money laundering EU laws.
The new strategy will include strengthening anti-money laundering rules for cryptocurrency assets and transfers, making it more difficult for illegal funds to be moved.
It will look at increasing transparency around company ownership which can at times include deliberately complex corporate structures.
It also aims to improve “intelligence sharing” between Government departments, the gardaí, Revenue, the Criminal Assets Bureau, the Central Bank and financial institutions where money laundering is suspected.
Increasing oversight of areas vulnerable to money laundering, including the gambling sector, is also among the moves being made.
Mr Harris said the strategy “underpins the most significant strengthening of Ireland’s anti-money laundering framework in years”.
He said: “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.
“We will continue to pursue organised criminals, protect our financial system and safeguard Ireland’s reputation as one of the safest and most trusted places in Europe to live, work and do business.”
