Ireland Investigates Soft2Bet-Linked Gambling Sites Over Alleged Illegal Operations
Why Trust Web3Bet
Our team of experts has independently reviewed and evaluated all the products and services featured on this page to ensure you receive accurate and reliable information
Ireland’s Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRAI) has opened an investigation into websites connected to Soft2Bet to determine whether they have been illegally offering gambling services to customers in Ireland. The regulator said it is reviewing 145 websites linked to the group and is considering potential enforcement action.
The investigation follows a cross-border media investigation that alleged several Soft2Bet-linked platforms accepted wagers from Irish players despite lacking authorization to operate in the country.
Reports Allege Compliance Failures
According to the investigation, some of the websites allegedly accepted Irish customers without carrying out mandatory age verification or identity checks.
The reports also claim that Soft2Bet and affiliated entities generated approximately €600 million in revenue from gambling websites that had been blacklisted by regulators in at least one European jurisdiction. Internal documents reportedly linked the group to 145 gambling domains operating across multiple markets.
Authorities Promise Strong Enforcement
A spokesperson for Ireland’s Gambling Regulatory Authority said every website identified in the investigation is being reviewed individually.
The regulator stated that it intends to “use every tool at our disposal to combat and disrupt illegal activity,” signaling a tougher approach toward offshore operators targeting Irish consumers.
The investigation comes shortly after GRAI officially assumed responsibility for gambling regulation and licensing in Ireland, replacing the previous licensing framework.
International Scrutiny Continues to Grow
The Irish probe is part of broader international scrutiny surrounding Soft2Bet’s operations.
Following the publication of the same investigation, regulators in Canada’s Ontario province also confirmed they are reviewing allegations involving Soft2Bet-linked gambling websites. Meanwhile, lawmakers in the UK have called for closer examination of payment providers allegedly connected to unlicensed gambling operations.
The case highlights increasing cooperation between regulators as authorities across multiple jurisdictions intensify efforts to combat offshore gambling networks operating outside local licensing regimes.
Source: https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/07/27/gambling-watchdog-opens-investigation-into-soft2bet-websites/
