Tag: #trends

iGaming, Like Crypto, Set for Expansion Amid Tighter Regulation

The global iGaming industry is entering a new phase of expansion, powered by clearer regulation and next-generation technology, according to the newly released 2026 iGaming Trends report by SOFTSWISS.

The report finds that common-sense regulation, focused on transparency, player protection, and compliance has become a catalyst for industry growth rather than a constraint. As governments provide clearer frameworks, companies make plans for the longer term, investors gain confidence and players increasingly turn to trusted, licensed operators.

The global iGaming market is projected to reach $169 billion by 2030, up from $103 billion in 2025, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.44%. Regulation is moving beyond voluntary guidelines, with many countries making responsible gaming (RG) standards, advertising limits, and spending checks a legal requirement.

Industry participants are responding by investing in AI-driven compliance tools, real-time player monitoring, and data analytics to detect and prevent risky behaviour. Traditional Responsible gaming measures such as deposit limits and self-exclusion tools are now viewed as a baseline, not a differentiator, says the report, based on a survey of over 350 industry players, investors and regulators. 

The relationship between iGaming and its regulators is also changing. Survey respondents were asked to rate the sector’s current legal and regulatory environment on a scale from 1 to 10 – the higher the score the more positive the view, according to research by SOFTSWISS. Nearly half of the respondents chose ratings of 7 or above, with the average rating increasing to 6.36 in 2025 from 6.06 a year earlier, the survey found. This underscores that regulation is viewed in an increasingly positive light, bringing clarity and being mostly supportive of sustainable industry growth.

 Ivan Montik, Founder of SOFTSWISS, commented:

“Regulation is not always the enemy of growth. When done right, it becomes the foundation for it. Just as crypto markets are maturing with the introduction of regulations such as the GENIUS Act, lowering risk and encouraging participation, iGaming is now entering its own ‘GENIUS moment’. Transparent rules level the playing field, protect players, and create confidence that drives sustainable expansion.”

The iGaming sector is now entering a new stage of maturity, comparable to the cryptocurrency industry in the United States, which is using new legislation such as the GENIUS Act to bring stablecoins into the mainstream. Similar to the GENIUS Act, which seeks to transform the crypto space, and stablecoins in particular, into safer and more predictable financial assets, iGaming is experiencing similar regulatory trends. New and evolving regulatory frameworks around licensing, player protection, and advertising standards are working towards creating a more transparent, accountable, and sustainable global industry.

The iGaming Trends Report highlights 2025 as a transformative year, with governments worldwide introducing or tightening frameworks that combine market liberalisation with greater accountability. 

Key developments include:

  • Finland: The Gambling Reform Bill ends the Veikkaus monopoly, introducing a competitive licensing model and creating a new Licensing and Supervision Authority alongside a national self-exclusion registry.

  • Austria: The government launched its first competitive tender for online casino licences, ending Casinos Austria’s decades-long monopoly and inviting private operators under stricter compliance and tax rules.

  • Brazil: Implementation of Law No. 14,790/2023 formally regulates sports betting and iGaming, requiring local servers, tax transparency, and responsible gambling programs.

  • United Kingdom: The Gambling Act Review introduces stake limits for online slots, affordability risk checks, and data-sharing mandates between operators to enhance player safety.

  • United States: States such as New York and California move closer to legalising online casinos, adopting frameworks inspired by New Jersey and Michigan, with embedded responsible gaming technology.

  • Philippines: The PAGCOR restructuring bill separates the regulator’s commercial and oversight functions, increasing transparency and improving investor confidence.

Regulatory changes mark the emergence of a global iGaming framework, where regulation and innovation evolve hand in hand. By creating safer, transparent, and competitive environments, governments are reducing the appeal of bad-faith operators and laying the groundwork for sustainable industry expansion.

About SOFTSWISS:

SOFTSWISS is a global tech company, supplying award-winning software solutions for iGaming since 2009. Supported by a team of more than 2,000 experts, SOFTSWISS serves more than 1,000 global brands through its comprehensive product ecosystem. In 2013, it revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. Today, SOFTSWISS continues to leverage the latest technologies and champion responsible gaming across the globe from its offices in Malta, Poland and Georgia.

Google Search: Introducing AI Mode in Ireland

Today, Google is rolling out AI Mode, Google’s most powerful AI search experience, in Ireland. AI Mode has more advanced reasoning and multimodality, and the ability to go deeper through follow-up questions and helpful links to the web. Whether someone is looking for products, planning a trip, or exploring a new topic, AI Mode is designed to understand what they’re really asking for and help them to find it. From today AI mode will appear as a tab on the Search results page and in the Google app for Android and iOS.

AI Mode is a new, intuitive way to address the most complex, multi-part questions and follow-ups on Search, and satisfy people’s curiosity in a richer way. Using a custom version of Google’s advanced Gemini models for Search, it lets people ask nuanced questions that would have previously required multiple searches. It is particularly helpful for exploratory questions and for more complicated tasks like planning a trip or understanding complex how-tos. It’s even designed to be truly multimodal, so questions can be asked in whatever way feels most natural — whether that’s with text, voice or even camera.   Google has found that early users of AI Mode are asking questions that are two or three times the length of traditional search queries.

As autumn arrives and people begin to turn to warmer clothes, Google Search Trends data shows that ‘How to style a big cardigan’ is the most searched ‘How to style’ question in Ireland in the last 30 days. For those looking for styling help, AI mode can act as a personal stylist and help with styling ideas including showing different outfits that incorporate a large cardigan. Coffee lovers can ask questions like, ‘I’m looking to understand different coffee brewing methods. Make a table comparing the differences in taste, ease of use and equipment needed.’ And even follow up with: ‘what’s the best grind size for each method’.

As Google continues to evolve the Search experience with AI capabilities, the focus remains on helping people access information and perspectives from a diverse range of sources. For example, with AI Overviews, people have been visiting a greater diversity of websites for help with more complex questions. And when people click from search result pages with AI Overviews, these clicks are higher quality for websites — meaning users are more likely to spend more time on the sites they visit.

AI Mode is rooted in Google’s core quality and ranking systems, and novel approaches are being used to improve factuality. Google aims to show an AI-powered response as much as possible, but in cases where there isn’t high confidence, users will see a set of web search results. As with any early-stage AI product, it won’t always be right, but Google is committed to continuous improvement.

Try AI Mode in Ireland now here. 

See our Google Reviews

Appeals Centre Europe’s First Transparency Report Shines Light on Social Media Mistakes

The Appeals Centre’s first Transparency Report (covering November 2024 to August 2025) highlights the urgent need for independent review of social media decisions. The report shows that where platforms make mistakes, people pay the price: from unjust account suspensions cutting people off from family and friends, to vital health information being removed, or hate speech against vulnerable communities being left online.

More than three-quarters of our decisions overturned Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or YouTube – either because we disagreed with their decision after reviewing the content, or because the platform did not send us the content and we ruled in the user’s favour. The majority of these decisions promoted freedom of expression by recommending that a user’s content or account be restored. 

Across the EU people are standing up to social media companies by challenging their decisions:

  • We received nearly 10,000 disputes about decisions by Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok and YouTube.
  • These came from every single EU country, covering content in more than 50 languages.
  • Of these, more than 3,300 disputes were within our scope, for which we have already issued 1,500+ decisions, with the rest expected in the coming weeks.
  • Since November we have expanded to account suspensions and new platforms (Instagram, Threads, Pinterest) to allow more people to use our service.
  • We received the most eligible disputes from Poland, followed by France and Italy.
  • We saw an upwards trend in case numbers, with the number of eligible disputes received increasing by more than 500% from December 2024 to August 2025.

Under EU law (the Digital Services Act), social media platforms must engage in good faith with dispute settlement bodies like the Appeals Centre and tell their users about this new option.

  • Today, however, dispute settlement bodies are Europe’s best-kept-secret. Most people don’t know we exist and some platforms seemingly want to keep it that way. This needs to change. Social media platforms should clearly tell their users about this new option on a dedicated help-page and as part of their internal appeals process.
  • More generally, co-operation with platforms has been mixed. Progress with YouTube, in particular, has been very slow. We have received no content from the company, meaning that – by the end of August – we had made decisions on just 29 of the more than 340 eligible YouTube disputes submitted to us. As such, we are concerned that people and organisations using YouTube in the EU are being denied meaningful access to out-of-court dispute settlement.

The CEO of Appeals Centre Europe, Thomas Hughes, said:

“Decisions by social media companies have very real consequences: from denying people a say in important debates, to cutting off a crucial source of income. But – as our Transparency Report shows – they don’t always get it right. If you’re in the EU, you can challenge the platform’s decision free-of-charge to the Appeals Centre and get an expert, impartial review.”

Photos in the Moment: How Real-Time Sharing Is Changing the Event Experience

There was a time when you had to wait days—sometimes weeks—for the official event photos to arrive. You’d scroll through hundreds of shots, looking for that one where you weren’t blinking or mid-sneeze, then maybe download a couple to share. Fast forward to today, and the idea of waiting for memories feels oddly outdated. People expect immediacy—and not just on Instagram.

From weddings to work conferences, real-time photo sharing is becoming an essential part of how we experience live events. Platforms like GuestCam make it possible for attendees to snap, upload, and enjoy photos as they happen—without needing an app or a complicated setup. The result? More engagement, better memories, and a deeper emotional connection to the event itself.

Let’s break down why this tech isn’t just a nice-to-have, but a game-changer.

We’re Living in the “Now” Era

People don’t just attend events anymore—they co-create them. Whether it’s a festival crowd lighting up a hashtag or a bridesmaid capturing a behind-the-scenes moment, guests are no longer passive participants. They want to contribute, share, and react in real-time.

And here’s the thing: waiting kills the vibe. That “you had to be there” magic gets diluted when the photos come trickling in after the party’s over. Real-time sharing puts the fun back into the moment, right when it’s happening. It allows people to instantly relive the energy, whether they’re across the room or halfway across the world.

More Inclusive, Less Curated

There’s something raw and refreshing about real-time photos. They’re not retouched or overly filtered. They aren’t staged or sanitized. They’re the dance floor fails, the inside jokes, the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kind of joy. And when everyone at an event has the power to contribute, the range of perspectives broadens.

Professional photographers still have their place (and thank goodness for that), but when guests are part of the process, you end up with a more authentic, inclusive visual story. Suddenly, it’s not just the VIPs or front-row seats that get documented—it’s everyone.

Weddings, Conferences, and Everything in Between

So where is this tech showing up most?

Weddings

Couples are ditching the disposable cameras and opting for QR-based photo hubs where guests can upload and view pictures throughout the night. Grandma can snap a photo during the toast, and it’ll be up on the live screen behind the bar minutes later.

Corporate Events

Event organizers are using real-time platforms to create engagement touchpoints during product launches, summits, and exhibitions. Instead of posting to social media, guests upload to a private feed that can be curated, branded, and even moderated on the spot.

Community and Fundraising Events

Think school carnivals, 5K runs, or charity galas. These are the kinds of gatherings where energy builds in real-time, and capturing that through guest-generated content helps build buzz—even before the event is over.

Why the “No App” Factor Matters

Let’s be honest—most people won’t download an app just to share photos at an event. QR-based, web-friendly platforms have solved that hurdle by offering instant access with zero friction. Just scan a code, open your browser, and you’re in.

That small detail makes a big difference. It keeps things accessible for all ages, tech comfort levels, and device types. Whether it’s a 12-year-old at a birthday party or a 72-year-old at a retirement celebration, the barrier to entry is gone.

And because there’s no app cluttering up your phone afterward, the experience feels clean and purpose-driven.

The Social Side of Real-Time Sharing

There’s also a strong social feedback loop here. Seeing your photo pop up on a screen at the event or show up instantly in a gallery feed is oddly satisfying. People start taking more photos. They cheer when their friend’s selfie gets posted. It creates an ambient energy—a digital version of the applause.

In some cases, organizers use this momentum to gamify the experience. For example:

  • Host a mini contest for best photo of the night
  • Feature top uploads on a live slideshow
  • Let guests vote or comment in real time

What starts as simple sharing turns into an interactive part of the event, sparking conversations and connecting strangers.

Privacy, Control, and Curation

Of course, with instant sharing comes the question: who’s managing all this content?

The best platforms give hosts a fair amount of control without being heavy-handed. You can set moderation tools, restrict uploads to approved QR zones, and keep galleries private or password-protected. This level of customization matters, especially for more formal or family-oriented events.

It also means fewer worries about guests going rogue with questionable posts. You get the fun of crowd-sourced content with the peace of mind of basic filters.

A Smarter Alternative to Social Media

Social platforms like Instagram and Facebook used to dominate event photo sharing, but times are changing. Not everyone wants to share publicly. Not everyone wants to be tagged. And not everyone trusts big tech to handle their memories with care.

Real-time event photo sharing offers a more thoughtful solution:

  • No need to friend or follow anyone
  • No third-party ads or data tracking
  • More meaningful, in-the-moment content

It brings back the joy of photo sharing without the pressure or politics of social feeds.

Hybrid and Remote Guests Can Still Join the Fun

Let’s not forget the guests who couldn’t be there in person. Whether due to distance, illness, or limited capacity, many events now include people tuning in remotely.

Real-time photo sharing bridges that gap beautifully. A grandparent in another country can watch the photo stream of their grandchild’s birthday party in near real-time. A remote employee can check out uploads from the company holiday party without feeling left out.

It’s not just about documentation. It’s about inclusion.

Real-Time = Better Event Marketing

For event planners, there’s another major upside: content marketing gold.

Live uploads provide an authentic, fast-moving gallery of usable visuals. Instead of scrambling to create post-event highlight reels, you’ve got a ready-made pool of images from multiple angles. You can:

  • Create social content during the event
  • Send out real-time recap emails
  • Build a post-event microsite the next day
  • Share attendee-generated moments on brand channels

It shortens the feedback loop between planning and payoff—and that’s especially useful for businesses working on tight timelines or annual event cycles.

Not Just a Trend—A Shift in How We Share

Some tech fads come and go, but this one feels like it’s here to stay. Why? Because it taps into something universal: the desire to feel present and included.

Events aren’t just about the big milestones anymore—they’re about the small, fleeting moments that make them feel alive. And real-time photo sharing honors those seconds as they happen. It doesn’t wait for the perfect angle or the right filter. It just shows life, as-is.

That honesty is what people are craving, both online and off.

Final Thought: Make the Memory While It’s Happening

Whether you’re planning a wedding, managing a company offsite, or hosting a community fundraiser, consider this: the memories people take away from your event aren’t just about what happened. They’re about how connected they felt while it was happening.

Real-time photo sharing doesn’t just document the moment. It makes people part of it.

And when everyone plays a role in capturing the story, the event becomes something more—something collective, something memorable, something that lingers long after the lights go down.

 

Transpoco’s 2025 Report Exposes Alarming Distracted Driving Trends in Ireland

Transpoco, one of Ireland’s leading fleet management solutions providers, today released its highly anticipated 2025 Distracted Driving Report, the first national survey of its kind, revealing that distraction behind the wheel is becoming one of the most significant road safety threats in Ireland.

The report, based on insights from over 1,000 drivers across all 26 counties, highlights the scale and impact of distracted driving, providing a stark reminder of the dangers facing Irish road users.

Key findings from the report include:

  • Frequent Risky Behaviour: 65% of drivers identified mobile phone use as the most distracting activity, while 45% admitted to experiencing near misses due to distraction.
  • Everyday Distractions: 73.1% adjust music, heating, or other vehicle settings while driving, and 41.3% eat or drink behind the wheel — showing that distractions extend beyond just phone use.
  • High-Risk Groups: Younger drivers (aged 25–34) are more confident but also more prone to risk, often underestimating the dangers of multitasking while driving.
  • Calls for Action: 51% of drivers support stricter enforcement to tackle the issue, and many are calling for simpler in-car technology and stronger workplace policies to reduce pressure on professional drivers.

“We’re at a critical point where distraction has become as dangerous as drink-driving, and the data clearly shows that urgent action is needed to protect lives,” said Jack Manning, CEO. “We need to simplify in-car technology, enforce stricter policies, and encourage safer driving habits to address this growing crisis.”

The report calls for a comprehensive approach to tackling distraction, including tougher penalties, smarter vehicle design, and better workplace support for commercial drivers.

A copy of the report can be downloaded here.

Investment Trends in Casual Gaming: What Soft2Bet Invest Looks for in Startups

The casual gaming sector is experiencing unprecedented growth in 2025, creating fertile ground for innovative startups with fresh ideas. With mobile gaming revenues reaching record levels and user engagement metrics soaring, investment funds are increasingly turning their attention to this dynamic space. Soft2Bet Invest has emerged as a leading player in this arena, establishing a €50 million innovation fund specifically designed to nurture promising gaming entrepreneurs. Since its launch in June 2024, the fund has already made significant impacts, even winning the “Outstanding Contribution to Gaming 2024” award at SiGMA East Europe in September 2024.

The Evolving Landscape of Casual Gaming in 2025

The casual gaming market has transformed dramatically over the past few years, shifting from simple time-fillers to sophisticated experiences that incorporate social elements, progression systems, and innovative monetization models. Today’s casual games blend accessibility with depth, creating experiences that appeal to broader audiences while maintaining impressive retention metrics.

Mobile continues to dominate the casual gaming space, with the Apple App Store and Google Play generating over $80 billion in consumer revenue. This represents steady growth that shows no signs of slowing down. The focus on established genres with proven track records has allowed top publishers to capture significant market share, with the top five casual game publishers generating 62% of total revenue in their category.

Key factors driving the casual gaming boom include:

  • Low barriers to entry for players
  • Short, satisfying gameplay loops
  • Cross-platform compatibility
  • Innovative monetization strategies
  • Social integration features

These elements create games that are easy to pick up but difficult to put down, making them particularly attractive to investors looking for scalable products with strong retention potential.

What Soft2Bet Invest Seeks in Gaming Startups

Soft2Bet Invest has established a clear investment strategy, targeting both growth-stage and mature companies that demonstrate exceptional potential. The fund typically invests between €500,000 and €1 million per project, evaluating each opportunity on a case-by-case basis.

When assessing potential investments, Soft2Bet prioritizes several crucial factors:

  1. Technological innovation – Companies leveraging cutting-edge technologies that enhance player experiences
  2. Market differentiation – Unique approaches that stand out in a crowded marketplace
  3. Scalability potential – Business models capable of significant growth with proper resources
  4. Strong core metrics – Impressive retention, engagement, and monetization figures
  5. Team capabilities – Experienced leadership with proven track records in gaming

Uri Poliavich, Founder and CEO of Soft2Bet, emphasizes the importance of disruptive thinking: “Our journey from startup to major iGaming operator and provider shows how we have been changing the iGaming industry, that we speak the language of innovation, and that our products and success stories are undeniable proof that we excel in driving business growth.”

Technology Trends Attracting Investment Dollars

The casual gaming industry is being transformed by several emerging technologies that are attracting substantial investment. Soft2Bet Invest specifically looks for companies harnessing these innovations:

Artificial Intelligence Applications

AI is revolutionizing game development and player experiences through:

  • Personalized content delivery based on player behavior
  • Dynamic difficulty adjustment to optimize challenge levels
  • Automated testing and quality assurance processes
  • Natural language processing for improved player interactions
  • Advanced analytics for more precise monetization strategies

These AI applications not only improve player experiences but also create more efficient development pipelines, making them particularly attractive to investors focused on operational excellence.

Player-Centric UX Design

User experience has become a critical differentiator in the competitive casual gaming market. Companies implementing advanced behavioral-UX analytics can significantly boost key performance indicators through:

  • Streamlined onboarding processes
  • Friction-free progression systems
  • Intuitive controls and interfaces
  • Data-driven design iterations
  • Personalized gameplay elements

Studios that prioritize these UX principles typically see higher retention rates and stronger monetization, making them prime candidates for investment consideration.

Monetization Models That Attract Funding

In 2025, sophisticated monetization approaches have become essential for casual gaming success. The most promising startups are moving beyond simple ad-based models to implement hybrid approaches that maximize revenue while enhancing player experiences.

The most attractive monetization strategies include:

  1. User-level customization – Tailoring monetization approaches to individual player preferences and behaviors
  2. Hybrid models – Combining in-app purchases, subscriptions, and various ad formats
  3. Gamified progression systems – Creating value through achievement-based rewards
  4. Social commerce integration – Leveraging community dynamics to drive purchases
  5. Limited-time events – Creating urgency and exclusivity around special offers

According to industry analysis, the shift toward user-level customization represents the next evolution in monetization strategy. By leveraging contextual data gathered early in a user’s journey, publishers can dynamically adapt the monetization experience for each individual, optimizing revenue while maintaining positive player sentiment

Social Features Driving Investment Decisions

The integration of social elements has emerged as one of the most significant trends in casual gaming. Multiplayer functionality, leaderboards, and community features transform solitary gaming sessions into shared experiences, dramatically improving retention metrics.

Effective social implementations include:

  • Real-time competitive leaderboards
  • Friend-based progression systems
  • Guild/team mechanics
  • Shared challenges and rewards
  • Cross-platform social connectivity

Games that successfully incorporate these social dynamics typically demonstrate stronger long-term engagement metrics, making them particularly attractive to investors seeking sustainable business models.

The Investment Process with Soft2Bet Invest

For developers seeking funding, understanding Soft2Bet’s approach is crucial. The fund evaluates projects through a rigorous process that assesses both technical innovation and business fundamentals. Martin Collins, Chief Business Development Officer at Soft2Bet, emphasizes their unique perspective: “Essentially what we’ve done is we’ve taken some of the main concepts from casual gaming and built it to enter the casino experience in order to drive levels of engagement that you might not find with any other sports or casino business.”

This cross-pollination of ideas between casual gaming and iGaming creates unique opportunities for startups positioned at this intersection, especially those focused on engagement metrics and retention strategies.

The fund provides more than just capital, offering hands-on support and industry expertise to help portfolio companies scale effectively. This operational assistance, combined with strategic financial backing, creates a powerful platform for growth-oriented gaming startups looking to make their mark in the competitive casual gaming landscape.

The 6 Biggest Tech Trends in Ireland

Ireland is no small player on the global tech stage, and it continues to punch well above its weight. In a way, it has become the digital frontier of Europe, adopting various innovative tech, from AI-driven analytics and immersive gaming to greener energy and top-of-the-line cybersecurity. Let’s take a look at the most exciting tech trends that are redefining Ireland’s technology landscape in 2025.

Mobile Gaming

Mobile-first has become the new default. Smartphone penetration continues to soar in Ireland, and the mobile gaming sector is riding high on that trend. 

The spotlight of this boom is on iGaming right now, with Irish gamers favouring mobile casinos and sportsbooks. Research shows that over 70% of adults play at least one game a year, and a significant portion of them do so online, via mobile. Slick interfaces with intuitive design keep attracting more audiences, while innovations like biometric logins, live betting, and AI-powered odds make the whole experience quick and seamless.

As many players look for more freedom and flexibility, the trend of exploring casinos outside Gamstop leads them to choose offshore platforms with better bonuses, fewer restrictions, and a broader range of games (source: casinos-not-on-gamstop.com).

AI Integration

More than just a buzzword, Ireland has adopted AI as a serious business backbone. Recent stats show that around 15% of enterprises and over 50% of large companies use AI. Recently, the public sector has joined in as well—government departments are already training civil servants in responsible AI usage, as part of the National AI Strategy.

The impact of this technology stretches through many verticals. From customer support to fraud detection, it’s an invaluable tool. In fact, for SMEs, using AI is a competitive differentiator. A survey carried out in 2024 showed that over 30% of Irish SMEs already use AI in some form, while close to half of them plan to expand—using it for sales forecasting, automation, and other methods of turning data into action.

Sustainable Energy

Sustainability has upgraded from being a side project to a proper strategy. Ireland is investing heavily in renewables, and with €7.4 billion saved in fossil fuel imports since 2000, it’s already paying off. Data-driven giants among tech companies are getting increasingly serious about sustainable energy. Cloud providers and data centres are under pressure for their energy consumption, which accounts for over 20% of Ireland’s total electricity use. Irish startups also have an opportunity to jump on the train of smart grid software, carbon analytics, and green innovations.

Cybersecurity

Cyber threats are now a reality rather than a hypothetical danger. In 2024, the National Cyber Security Centre handled 5,200 incident reports, with 721 confirmed cases. When it comes to business security, it’s a daily battle, with an average of 58 cyber incidents every year.

This surge in attacks has led to more investment in cybersecurity. 70% of organisations in Ireland plan to raise their budgets for security in 2025, covering everything from endpoint protection and data encryption to more advanced threat detection systems. More than just a trend, we are seeing cybersecurity become mission-critical for almost everyone.

Cloud Computing

In one year, the number of Irish companies and organisations hosting their infrastructure in the cloud has gone from 15% to 32%. Currently, an additional 33% are actively migrating, choosing cloud over legacy on-prem systems.

Many benefits are driving this rapid shift, from a growing reliance on remote collaboration tools to the need for flexibility and scalability. More agile startups gain the ability to compete with larger enterprises through reduced IT overheads and improved uptime. In 2025, 90% of IT leaders are expected to increase cloud investments, which puts the country in the fast lane of innovation.

VR & AR

Although first introduced in gaming, immersive technology has turned into something more. In Ireland, augmented and virtual reality are now being introduced into real estate, tourism, and even education. You can now take a virtual campus tour, attend an immersive training course, or view AR product previews as part of the mainstream experience.

Of course, gaming is still at the forefront here. VR casinos are also gaining ground, overlaying odds, stats, and live game data to make the activity more engaging and interactive. Shops are introducing gamification methods to deliver more impactful loyalty programmes. The popularity of these aspects is rising, and we can expect even more developers and investors to double down on immersive solutions in the times ahead.

The future of online gaming in Ireland: 5 key tech trends to watch in 2025

The online gaming landscape in Ireland has been changing rapidly, with new technologies transforming the way players interact with their favourite games. As we move toward 2025, Irish players are set to experience a more exciting, convenient, and innovative gaming environment. These advancements, from improved mobile experiences to quicker transactions, will define the future of online gaming in Ireland. Here are five key tech trends to watch in 2025.

Key Takeaways

Online gaming in Ireland is set for significant transformation with five key tech trends expected to shape the industry by 2025.

1. Mobile gaming will dominate as smartphones become more powerful and internet access becomes widespread.

2. Gaming platforms are prioritizing speed, aiming for under an hour withdrawal times to meet player demands.

3. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies will revolutionize the immersive experience in online games.

A new era of gaming in Ireland

Online gaming in Ireland is evolving, with mobile technology, immersive experiences, and faster transactions leading the charge. Players are demanding quicker, more secure, and more engaging gaming experiences. Charles Gagnon, Casinoble Reviewer, notes, “Technology is pushing the Irish gaming industry toward seamless, efficient, and exciting new experiences.”

1. Mobile gaming: A mobile-first future

Mobile gaming is reshaping how Irish players engage with their favourite games. With more powerful smartphones and widespread internet access, Irish players can enjoy seamless, high-quality experiences wherever they are. Charles Gagnon, Casinoble Reviewer, notes, “Mobile gaming will be central to Ireland’s gaming scene in 2025, offering immersive experiences on-the-go.” Expect continued growth in this area.

2. Gaming platforms: The growing demand for speed

Speedy withdrawals have become a top priority for online gaming enthusiasts, and Irish players are no exception. The rise of new Irish casinos is gaining momentum, as players demand quicker, more efficient transactions.

Gagnon explains, “Faster transactions are now a key factor in player satisfaction. Irish players are looking for platforms that offer swift withdrawals, ensuring that they can access their winnings without unnecessary delays.” In the coming years, more gaming platforms in Ireland are expected to adopt fast payment systems, offering withdrawals in under an hour, meeting the demand for instant gratification.

3. Immersive gaming’s future in Ireland: VR and AR

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are set to revolutionise the online gaming experience for Irish players. VR will enable players to fully immerse themselves in virtual worlds, interacting with environments and other players in real-time. AR, on the other hand, will blend digital elements with the real world, enhancing traditional gameplay.

Charles Gagnon, Casinoble Reviewer, states, “As VR and AR technologies become more accessible, Irish players will enjoy a more interactive and immersive gaming experience, offering something truly unique.” As these technologies advance, expect more VR and AR games to emerge in the Irish gaming market.

4. Artificial Intelligence: Personalised Gaming

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already making its mark on the online gaming industry, and by 2025, it will play an even more significant role. AI will help game developers create smarter, more intuitive game mechanics and offer players highly personalised experiences. Whether it’s suggesting games based on your playstyle or providing advanced customer support, AI will continue to enhance the user experience.

Gagnon adds, “AI is already shaping the way Irish players interact with games. In 2025, we expect AI to take things further by offering tailored recommendations and more sophisticated in-game features. It’s about making the gaming experience feel more connected and personalised.”

5. Blockchain: Boosting Security and Transparency

Blockchain technology is poised to transform the Irish online gaming landscape by offering enhanced security and transparency. With growing concerns around privacy and fraud, blockchain ensures that all transactions and game outcomes are verifiable and secure.

““Blockchain will be a game-changer for Irish players, providing greater trust and fairness. As this technology evolves, expect more Irish platforms to integrate it, making online gaming safer and more reliable.””

– Charles Gagnon, Casinoble Reviewer

Bright Future Ahead for Irish Gamers

The future of gaming in Ireland is promising, with emerging technologies transforming the landscape. From mobile gaming and faster transactions to immersive VR experiences and secure blockchain integration, Irish players can expect a more dynamic and efficient gaming environment. As these trends continue to grow, Ireland will lead the way in offering innovative, secure, and thrilling online gaming experiences by 2025.

WHOOP data reveals Ireland Ranks as the World’s Worst Sleepers

New research published by WHOOP, the human performance company, shows Irish members have earned the unenviable title of the world’s worst sleepers, according to its 2024 Year in Review report.
The report shows that Irish members, who use WHOOP wearable technology to track activity, recovery, stress, and sleep, recorded the lowest average REM sleep globally, clocking in at just 20.5% of our nightly sleep stages. REM sleep, a critical stage for cognitive function and emotional processing, remains elusive for many in Ireland. Belgium and the Netherlands follow closely behind, with averages of 20.6% and 20.8%, respectively.

Regional insights provide a more nuanced view of the nation’s sleep habits. Counties such as Wicklow, Cavan, and Sligo led the charge in sleep performance, with Wicklow achieving an impressive overall average sleep score of 80.47%. These disparities suggest that local factors—ranging from lifestyle to environmental influences—may play a significant role in determining sleep quality.

Despite poor Irish results, global trends show an increased awareness of the importance of sleep by younger generations. WHOOP data shows Generation Z (born between 1997-2012) leads in REM sleep globally, with an average of 21.54%. This is closely followed by Millennials (1981 – 1996) at 21.45%. Gen X members (1965-1980) averaged 19.9%, while Boomers (1955 –1964) trailed further behind with just 18.4%.

These findings suggest that younger generations are carrying the torch for good sleep quality, not just in Ireland, but across the globe. In contrast, older generations, while often consistent in their sleep schedules, may face greater challenges in achieving deep, restorative rest.
To combat this challenge and enable members to get the best quality sleep possible to aid optimal performance, the best sleepers on WHOOP recommend the following:
  • Stick to a Regular Sleep Schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps regulate your body’s internal clock, improving the quality of your sleep.
  • Create an Ideal Sleep Environment: Ensure your bedroom is conducive to sleep by keeping it dark, quiet, and cool. Using blackout curtains, eye masks, earplugs, and maintaining a comfortable mattress and pillow can contribute to more restful sleep.
  • Establish a Bedtime Routine: Engaging in relaxing activities before bed, such as reading, practicing deep breathing, or taking a warm bath, can signal to your body that it’s time to wind down, helping you fall asleep more easily.
  • Reduce Screen Time in the Evening: Limiting exposure to screens in the evening reduces blue light exposure, which can disrupt melatonin production and interfere with sleep. Aim to avoid screens at least an hour before bedtime.
  • Monitor Caffeine and Alcohol Consumption: Drinking caffeine in the afternoon can negatively affect sleep quality, and alcohol is often reported to disrupt sleep patterns. Limiting these substances, especially in the hours before bed, can enhance your sleep.
As holistic wellness takes centre stage, Briain Curtin, VP of Global Marketing at WHOOP, highlighted the company’s growing influence in Ireland and the rise in member engagement in 2024: “As WHOOP grows in Ireland, it’s inspiring to see members deeply engaging with their health data. With more robust and personalised insights provided by WHOOP, members are recognising the importance of sleep, recovery, and rest for performance, which is a huge step forward. These trends not only reflect national progress but also empower individuals to make lasting health changes, and perform at their personal best, which is ultimately our goal.”
By addressing the specific challenges Irish members face, highlighted in this year’s report, WHOOP aims to empower Irish members to unlock their full potential not just in 2025, but for many years to come.
To learn more about WHOOP and access a comprehensive library of helpful blogs, exercises and expert interviews to help you reach your wellness goals in 2025, please visit www.whoop.ie