Ireland opens GRAI licence applications for gambling operators

Ireland’s gambling sector has entered a significant regulatory transition with the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) making its licensing portal available to operators applying for key licences under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. This marks a major overhaul of the country’s gambling framework and creates a structured pathway for remote betting and in‑person betting entities to seek formal authorisation to operate in the Irish market.

The new licensing system reflects years of legislative work to modernise gambling regulation in Ireland and replace outdated legislation with a comprehensive and contemporary licensing regime. Applications from business‑to‑consumer operators including online platforms and physical venues are now being accepted through the GRAI’s Operator Portal as part of this phased rollout.

Background of regulatory reform in Ireland

The governance of gambling in Ireland underwent significant reform with the introduction of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, which received parliamentary approval in late 2024. Under this law, the GRAI was established as the single independent regulator responsible for licensing and oversight of gambling activities across the country.

Before the establishment of the GRAI, gambling licences were issued under older legislation such as the Betting Act 1931 and the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956, with the Revenue Commissioners handling limited licensing functions in the interim.

The regulatory framework implemented by the act introduces modern consumer protections and regulatory tools that did not previously exist in Irish law. These reforms aim to provide clearer oversight, stronger enforcement measures and enhanced safeguards for vulnerable participants in the gambling ecosystem.

Licensing application window opens

On Monday February 9, the GRAI activated its Operator Portal and began accepting applications from operators seeking one of several distinct licences. These include:

• Remote betting licence for operators providing online wagering services
• Remote betting intermediary licence for platforms facilitating bets between players
• In‑person betting licence for operators managing physical betting venues

The portal requires applicants to complete a formal Notice of Intention before submitting a full licence application. This notice period of at least 28 days is mandatory and must be satisfied prior to assessment of the application.

According to regulatory guidance, the application process for each licence involves detailed documentation and verification, including evidence of robust governance policies, financial records and information about key personnel at the applicant company.

Phased rollout of licence categories

Although the application window for remote and in‑person betting licences is now open, the full licensing regime will be introduced in stages. The GRAI expects to gradually expand the range of licence categories over the coming years.

Under the phased timeline, remote operators can be licensed from mid‑2026 while physical betting operators will continue to apply for licences ahead of the expiry of existing permissions handled under the older regulatory structure.

Future phases will encompass additional licence types such as business‑to‑business licences for service providers and charitable licences for gaming conducted for philanthropic purposes.

Modern enforcement powers and compliance requirements

The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 grants the GRAI wide enforcement powers and consumer protection tools. These include the ability to issue substantial financial penalties for non‑compliance, carry out investigations and to seek court orders to compel unlicensed operators to cease operations.

Fines under the regime may reach up to €20 million or 10 percent of a licence holder’s turnover, whichever is greater, giving the regulator significant authority to enforce compliance and remedial action where necessary.

Along with enforcement measures, the act places clear obligations on licensees to protect consumers. These include bans on credit card gambling and certain inducements such as free bets or hospitality, requirements for operator‑led responsible gambling policies and rules to avoid exposing children to gambling advertising.

Advertising restrictions implemented under the act also require consumers to opt in before receiving gambling marketing communications and prohibit gambling advertising on radio and television between early morning and evening hours.

Impact on Ireland’s gambling market

The opening of licensing applications under the GRAI is expected to foster increased regulatory clarity and consumer protection while offering legal certainty for operators seeking access to the Irish market. Industry stakeholders have anticipated the formal launch of licensing for some time and have been preparing to align their operations with Ireland’s new regulatory requirements.

Ireland’s gambling market, valued at over €8 billion annually, now enters a new era where regulatory compliance and responsible operation will be paramount for businesses seeking to grow their presence.

Some international firms and service providers have already positioned themselves strategically ahead of this transition, establishing local offices or partnerships to support clients through compliance and application processes.

Regulatory priorities and consumer protections

At the core of the new system is a clear focus on reducing gambling‑related harm. The GRAI has emphasised protections for vulnerable individuals, particularly children, through mechanisms such as self‑exclusion registers and spending limit tools.

The regulator also conducts thorough assessments of applicant suitability, including criminal history checks and governance reviews, to ensure that only those meeting strict fit and proper criteria are permitted to hold licences.

Physical gambling establishments will be subject to site inspections and evaluations of their proximity to sensitive locations such as schools or ATMs as part of licence assessments.

Conclusion

The opening of the GRAI’s licence application window marks a defining moment in Ireland’s gambling regulatory evolution. For operators this signals a structured path to lawful operation in a market that balances opportunity for commercial development with the imperative of consumer protection. For the public the new regime offers enhanced safeguards against gambling‑related harms and stronger enforcement against unlicensed activities.

By transitioning to a modern and comprehensive regulatory regime, Ireland aligns its gambling oversight with contemporary expectations, bringing transparency and accountability into an industry that has long been governed by outdated legislation.

FAQs

What is the GRAI?
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland is the independent regulatory body established under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 to oversee and licence gambling activities in Ireland.

When did licence applications open?
Applications for certain B2C licences opened on February 9 through the GRAI’s Operator Portal.

What licences are currently available?
Remote betting licences, remote betting intermediary licences and in‑person betting licences are presently being accepted.

Do operators need to give notice before applying?
Yes, operators must publish a Notice of Intention at least 28 days before submitting a licence application.

Will the GRAI impose fines?
Yes, the authority has powers to impose significant financial penalties for non‑compliance with regulatory obligations.

Can international companies apply for licences?
Yes, authorised companies including those based outside Ireland may apply provided they meet the regulatory criteria.

What protections exist for gambling consumers?
Protections include limits on advertising, self‑exclusion registers and bans on credit card gambling.

Are there restrictions on advertising?
Yes, gambling advertising is restricted on television and radio during certain hours and requires opt‑in by consumers.

Will physical betting venues be inspected?
Yes, the regulator conducts on‑site assessments as part of the licence process.

When will other licence categories open?
Additional categories such as business‑to‑business licences and charitable licences will open in future phases.

Does the new regime apply to existing licences immediately?
Existing licences under previous laws remain valid until their expiry but must transition to the new regime once operational.