Ireland Continues No-Tax Policy Toward Online Casinos

Even if the Finance Ministry eventually rules for a tax on online gambling, the Irish gambling taxes are so low in comparison to most of the rest of the world as to be negligible.

Ireland continues to try to establish itself as a major base for online casinos, as the government has decided to stick with its current policy of not taxing Internet gambling sites. Executives from Internet casinos within the country breathed a sigh of relief, as the new additional tax imposed on betting parlors in Ireland was not applied to them.

Irish Finance Minister Brian Lenihan said his department wanted more time to study the online gambling industry before deciding if and when to tax it. Ireland is happy to receive the jobs created by the sites using the nation as a base, and doesn't want to discourage other casinos considering Ireland as a home.

Ireland recently increased the tax paid by land-based gambling operators from one to two percent, still a tiny amount compared to many other countries. Even these businesses receive a break, not having to pay any tax on telephoned wagers.

The decision by the Irish government will probably cause other online casinos to flock to Ireland, bringing jobs and prosperity. Even if the Finance Ministry eventually rules for a tax on online gambling, the Irish gambling taxes are so low in comparison to most of the rest of the world as to be negligible.