Ireland greenlights gambling regulator to issue licences

Ireland has taken a significant legal step in modernising its gambling laws after the government authorised the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland to begin issuing licences under the newly enacted Gambling Regulation Act 2024. This move marks a milestone in the decades‑long reform of Irish gambling legislation and opens a unified licensing regime for operators across the gambling sector.

The order signed by the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, allows the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland to start accepting applications for both remote and land‑based betting licences from 5 February 2026. These powers are being introduced as part of the staged commencement of the 2024 act, which was adopted by Parliament in October 2024 and established the GRAI as Ireland’s independent gambling regulator.

This development follows the creation of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland in March 2025 when the authority became operational and began building its organisational structures and regulatory frameworks.

Establishing a new licensing framework

Under the new regulatory system, the Authority will offer three principal categories of licences. These are business‑to‑consumer licences covering in‑person and remote betting and remote intermediary services business‑to‑business licences for suppliers of gambling products and services and licences for charitable or philanthropic gambling activities.

Business‑to‑consumer licences will apply to operators taking wagers from individuals either at physical premises or online. Remote licences will regulate online betting including pool betting while remote intermediary licences will authorise platforms that allow players to place bets with other participants. Business‑to‑business licences will authorise entities that provide gambling technology or services to other businesses. Special licences will also be available for charitable fundraising activities such as event‑based pool betting or lotteries.

Analysts view the introduction of a single licensing system as a key step in simplifying a regulatory regime that had developed piecemeal over decades. Previous laws, such as the Totalisator Act 1929 and the Betting Act 1931, were widely seen as outdated and unsuited to contemporary online gambling markets.

Enforcement and compliance under the act

The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 includes wide‑ranging enforcement powers that the Authority can invoke against licence holders and unlicensed operators. These tools allow for the issuance of non‑compliance notices suspension or revocation of licences and, in serious cases, applications to the High Court for cessation orders. The act also provides for substantial financial penalties of up to €20 million or 10 per cent of a licence holder’s annual turnover for breaches and potential imprisonment for significant offences, including failure to protect children from gambling harm.

In his announcement, Minister O’Callaghan said that empowering the GRAI with enforcement authority was essential to uphold the integrity of the new licensing framework and to ensure that operators meet their legal obligations.

The commencement order also starts key provisions of the act that will amend and repeal existing gambling laws and introduce new consumer protection measures. Among these are prohibitions on using credit cards for gambling payments allowing customers to set monetary limits on how much they can gamble and obligations on operators to detect and report suspicious gambling activity.

Consumer safeguards and player protection

A central focus of the new framework is reducing gambling‑related harm among the population particularly among young people and vulnerable groups. The act establishes a National Gambling Exclusion Register administered by the Authority that allows individuals to self‑exclude from all licensed operators through a single central system. This register is intended to help those who want to take a break from gambling or address problem gambling behaviours.

Under the regulatory regime, licensed gambling websites will be required to provide customers with real‑time account information including current balances and records of funds staked over specific periods. Operators must close accounts when requested by a customer and refund unused balances. In cases where the customer cannot be contacted, unclaimed credits may be transferred to the Social Impact Fund established under the act to support problem gambling awareness and treatment initiatives.

Advertising restrictions and marketing controls

The act introduces significant limits on how gambling operators can promote their services. Advertisements cannot be broadcast on television or radio between 5.30am and 9pm in an effort to reduce exposure to younger audiences. Adults must actively opt in to receive direct marketing messages from operators. These new advertising rules are designed to curb the visibility of gambling promotions especially among children and adolescents and will be enforced by the Authority.

The Authority will also have investigative powers to monitor compliance with advertising standards and take action against operators who fail to adhere to them. This oversight includes the ability to impose sanctions for breaches of licence conditions or marketing rules.

Transition for existing operators

While the GRAI now has the authority to issue new licences applicants must understand that there is a transition period in which existing licences under the old regime remain valid until their expiry dates. In many cases the Revenue Commissioners will continue to issue licences during this transitional phase until the GRAI fully assumes responsibility under the new framework.

Operators are expected to engage with the new regime and prepare their applications as the transition progresses and licensing requirements become binding. The phased approach aims to allow continuity of legal operation while ensuring the new standards are fully implemented.

Significance for the gambling sector

The commencement of licensing and enforcement provisions under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 represents a defining moment for the gambling sector in Ireland. The new regulatory framework is intended to support consumer protection public safety and the orderly operation of gambling activities in both physical and online environments.

Industry leaders and stakeholders have described the reforms as long overdue given the rapid growth of online gambling and the increasing complexity of cross‑border operations. The unified licensing approach is expected to provide greater legal clarity and stability for operators while embedding robust safeguards for players.

As the new framework rolls out, operators and the public alike will be watching closely to see how Ireland’s model evolves and how the regulator balances industry development with responsible gambling principles.

Conclusion

The granting of licensing and enforcement powers to the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland marks a transformative moment for the country’s gambling sector. By implementing a unified regulatory framework under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, Ireland aims to modernise its legal landscape, enhance consumer protection and provide a clear and consistent approach for both land-based and online operators. The introduction of business-to-consumer, business-to-business and charitable gambling licences creates a structured system that balances industry growth with social responsibility.

With strict advertising controls, the prohibition of credit card gambling, the National Gambling Exclusion Register and other safeguards, the framework prioritises the protection of vulnerable players while fostering a transparent and accountable market. The phased transition for existing operators ensures continuity of legal operation, while the GRAI’s enforcement powers guarantee compliance and integrity across the sector.

As Ireland moves forward, this regulatory overhaul is expected to set a benchmark for responsible gambling practices, offering both operators and players a safer, more reliable environment. The initiative reflects a commitment to modern, legally sound governance that mitigates risks, protects the public and supports the sustainable development of Ireland’s gambling industry.

FAQs

What is the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 in Ireland?
The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 is legislation that overhauls Ireland’s gambling laws to create a modern regulatory regime covering both online and in‑person gambling.

When did the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland become operational?
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland became formally operational in March 2025.

What powers does the regulator have to enforce compliance?
The regulator can issue compliance notices suspend or revoke licences impose financial penalties and seek court orders against illegal operators.

What licences are available under the new framework?
There are business‑to‑consumer licences business‑to‑business licences and licences for charitable or philanthropic gambling activities.

Can players self‑exclude from gambling sites?
Yes the act establishes a National Gambling Exclusion Register that allows individuals to exclude themselves from all licensed operators.

What advertising restrictions are in place?
Gambling advertising on television and radio is banned between 5.30am and 9pm and adults must opt in to receive direct marketing messages.

Are credit cards allowed for gambling payments?
The use of credit cards for gambling payments is prohibited under the new regulatory framework.

How are existing licences treated during the transition?
Existing licences remain valid until their expiry and the Revenue Commissioners may continue issuing licences until the new regime is fully implemented.

What penalties can the regulator impose for breaches?
Penalties include fines of up to €20 million or 10 per cent of turnover suspension or revocation of licences and possible criminal sanctions for serious breaches.

What is the purpose of the Social Impact Fund?
The Social Impact Fund supports awareness and educational initiatives and helps fund services for those affected by gambling harm.