PayPal study shows a quarter of gamers in Ireland earned money through gaming in 2023

Brought to you by PayPal.

Gaming in Ireland is reaching new levels, with some even making a few quid along the way. 

Through research conducted by Censuswide, via a sample of 1,000 consumers (aged 18 and over) who played online games in Ireland in 2023, PayPal has found that gaming has become so much more than a hobby.

Turning play into pay

It’s clear the gaming industry is booming in Ireland, with the average estimated spend expected to be €451 to be exact. And it’s not just for fun that people are spending on gaming, with PayPal’s study revealing that a quarter (25%) of gamers started or continued earning money via gaming in 2023, with a further 22% of those who will spend more money on games in 2024 considering it as an additional way to generate income.

Connecting with others

If you prefer to use gaming as a means of making connections with others, then you aren’t alone. A quarter of those surveyed specifically related gaming back to socialising and connecting to others, and an impressive total of 28% say that playing games is a means of making new friends.

Focusing on wellbeing

In keeping with how this pastime can enable connections between people, gaming can also be beneficial for mental wellbeing with more than a third (34%) of those who will spend more on games in 2024 identifying it as their source of motivation. Meanwhile, some 21% turned to gaming to alleviate loneliness.

Choosing platforms carefully

PayPal’s research found that certain factors would stop respondents gaming or spending money on it. In fact, 67% of gamers are giving more consideration to safety when it comes to choosing a gaming platform and a similar amount responded to say that safety increases their loyalty towards a game. 

Staying safe while spending

As well as which platforms and games people choose, payments are another area where safety is paramount. In fact, fraud (34%) and the unavailability of payment options (29%) were noted as obstacles to gaming in Ireland. The research also found that PayPal was the most popular payment method used, by 35% of gamers surveyed in Ireland.

Whether you game to earn or play to connect, it’s more important than ever to avail of preferred payment options and protect your online transactions. PayPal makes it easier and secure with PayPal at Checkout. Users can also track their spending with the PayPal app. 

A PayPal account is required to send and receive money. To learn more, or to sign up, visit PayPal right here.

Note: The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 1,000 gamers aged 18+ (have done it in the past 12 months) in ROI. The data was collected between 08.11.2023 - 14.11.2023. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.