This year’s IGS was a landmark event for the Irish gambling sector, with the establishment of the GRAI and upcoming online and land-based licensing meaning the market is poised for momentous growth. Speaking to Coinslot, CEO John Purcell explained how discussions among this year’ s attendees were “more commercial, more strategic, and more focused on regulatory readiness.”
Coinslot: You had a record opening day at the Crowne Plaza, probably a signal of the allure of the show. How did the stats pan out for visitors and exhibitors at this year’s show?
John Purcell: We saw another year of growth in both attendance and engagement, which reflects where the Irish market is right now.
The industry is moving from a long period of ambiguity into a defined regulatory framework. With the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland now fully established, the opening of the betting and online licensing portal, and land-based licensing expected from late 2026 into 2027, there is a clear timeline that people can plan against.
That clarity is driving participation. Operators, suppliers, and advisors all recognise that decisions made over the next 12 to 18 months will shape the market for the next decade, so attendance naturally followed.
Coinslot: As always, there was an excited buzz around the two days. What kind of feedback did you get from exhibitors during the show?
John Purcell: The feedback was consistently strong, particularly around the quality of attendees.
The Irish Gaming Show remains the only event where the full ecosystem comes together in one place, operators across all land based gaming, bingo, and casinos, alongside regulators, suppliers, and advisors.
This year felt different in one respect. With the conference programme and the address from the GRAI CEO, exhibitors were not just showcasing products, they were engaging in forward planning. Conversations were more commercial, more strategic, and more focused on regulatory readiness than in previous years.
Coinslot: IGS is a key fixture – it’s the only Irish event for the industry. Given the more defined direction for the domestic marketplace, how did the showfloor reflect the new and established product areas this year?
John Purcell: There was a noticeable shift in the profile of exhibitors. Larger international manufacturers who previously took a cautious view of Ireland are now actively engaging, which is a direct response to regulatory certainty.
We saw stronger representation from groups such as Aristocrat, Apex and Novomatic, alongside established domestic operators and suppliers. The overall mix is beginning to resemble more mature European markets, which is a positive signal for product quality, compliance standards, and long-term investment.
Coinslot: What were the key highlights at the show?
John Purcell: The standout moment was the address from the GRAI, which set a clear tone around implementation and timelines. That level of direct engagement is something the Irish industry has not historically had, and it was well received.
Beyond that, the introduction of structured masterclasses on licensing, AML, and compliance brought a more practical dimension to the event. These sessions moved beyond theory and into what operators actually need to do to be ready.
We also used the show to introduce two industry initiatives. The first is the Irish Gaming Industry Forum, an online platform designed to give operators, suppliers, and advisors a continuous space to engage, share knowledge, and align on industry issues.
The second is a set of national AML and Social Responsibility awareness programmes, aimed at giving operators access to structured, practical guidance in areas that are becoming increasingly complex.
Coinslot: On this point, the seminars proved successful and raised important issues. You know the Irish market better than most, how do you see the market developing in the coming years and will we see this reflected in the growth of the Irish Gaming Show in 2027 and beyond?
John Purcell: The Irish market will become more structured and more professional over the next three years.
Licensing will bring higher standards in AML, safer gambling, and operational controls, which is positive, but it will also create pressure, particularly for smaller indigenous operators.
The key challenge will be balance. If regulation is implemented in a way that is proportionate and practical, the market can grow in a healthy way. If it becomes overly complex or costly, there is a risk of consolidation benefitting larger international groups.
From an IGS perspective, that transition should support continued growth. As the market formalises, the need for a central meeting point increases, not just for product, but for education, compliance, and alignment. The show and our independent industry initiatives will continue to evolve in that direction.
Coinslot: Talking points. You must have taken hundreds of soundings over the two days from people at the show. If you picked off the most common themes, what would you be tellling government what the international buyers and manufacturers want from Irish gambling regulation? And what do your domestic businesses need to ensure growth?
John Purcell: The consistent message is clarity and proportionality.
International suppliers want a clear, stable framework that allows them to invest with confidence. They are comfortable operating in regulated markets, but they need certainty on licensing, product approvals, and timelines.
Domestic operators are more focused on practicality. They accept the need for regulation, but there is concern around cost, administrative burden, and the pace of change. Smaller operators in particular need frameworks that are workable in real-world environments, not just in policy terms.
If there is one message to government, it is that implementation matters as much as intent. The objectives are broadly supported, but the detail will determine whether the market grows sustainably or becomes constrained.
Coinslot: Finally, you’ve had some time to process the draft amendments – what should Ireland be looking forward to in the new framework – and what should they be worried about?
John Purcell: There is a lot to be positive about. Ireland is moving towards a modern, transparent regulatory system with clear accountability, which brings credibility to the industry and better protections for consumers.
The concern is around execution. The draft framework is ambitious, and in some areas quite complex. If that complexity translates directly into operational requirements without sufficient guidance or phased implementation, it could create unnecessary friction.
The opportunity is to get this right early. With the regulator in place and industry engagement improving, there is a real chance to build a framework that is both robust and workable.
That will ultimately determine whether Ireland becomes an attractive, well-functioning regulated market or one that struggles with unintended consequences.
Ireland prepares for global reach
John Purcell said… “If there is one message to government, it is that implementation matters as much as intent. The objectives are broadly supported, but the detail will determine whether the market grows sustainably or becomes constrained…
