Ireland’s GRAI Opens Betting Licence Applications
In Ireland, the gambling regulator GRAI has opened the application process for betting licences starting from 5 February.
Launch of Licensing in Ireland
Decision by the Ministry of Justice
Ireland’s Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, signed an order commencing key provisions of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, enabling the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland to begin accepting and reviewing applications.
The order came into force on 5 February 2026 and applies to the licensing of remote and land-based betting.
Application Acceptance and Processing
Licence Categories
The regulator is authorised to accept and process applications from remote and land-based betting operators and to issue the relevant licences.
Remote operators will be able to obtain licences from 1 July 2026, while land-based betting operators will be licensed from 1 December 2026, following the expiry of licences previously issued by Ireland’s Revenue Commissioners.
Oversight and Enforcement
GRAI Powers
Alongside the launch of licensing, the regulator has been granted extended powers for supervision, complaint handling, and monitoring compliance with licence conditions.
The law предусматривает administrative fines of up to €20 million or up to 10% of an operator’s turnover in cases of violations.
Repeal of Previous Legislation
Changes to the Legal Framework
As part of the new regulatory framework, the provisions of the Totalisator Act 1929 and the Betting Act 1931 are repealed.
Additional Requirements for Operators
Player Protection
The new rules introduce a ban on the use of credit cards for gambling, as well as a prohibition on minors participating in betting and being employed by licensed operators.
Operators are required to give players the ability to set spending limits for online betting and to notify the regulator of suspicious gambling activity.
Online Safety and Accounts
Remote operators are subject to requirements related to the protection of minors online, the regulation of gambling accounts, refunds, and account closures.