Ireland’s gambling laws are undergoing significant changes with innovative systems that revolutionize the creation and operation of licensed online casinos.
The enactment of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 and the establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is a critical development for the Irish betting market.
Setting up Ireland’s Gambling Regulatory Authority
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) was established in March 2025 as the legal entity to regulate all gambling activities in Ireland except for the National Lottery.
This represented a new legislative frontier aimed at promoting responsible gambling while fostering the industry. The GRAI regulates and enforces rules by issuing licenses to online and offline gambling businesses.
The authority’s scope will extend to all forms of gambling, including betting, gaming, and lotteries. It must provide for a robust regulatory framework that must apply in both the physical and digital worlds.
The introduction of the proposed new regulatory system shall be phased over several years, and online gaming licenses (comprising online casino licenses) will be up for grabs in early 2026, with the first concentration being on betting licenses in late 2025.
GRAI Licensing and Industry Modernization
This modernizes the industry and positions Ireland as a progressive leader in European gambling regulation. The establishment of GRAI reflects the government’s commitment to making the environment safer and more transparent for operators as well as players.
Broadly-based, the GRAI has set out rigorous licensing conditions that will ensure only acceptable operators provide gambling services in Ireland. Licensing of an operator will require adherence to these conditions, which will also be applied to charitable and philanthropic gaming activities.
License applicants shall pay the fees as determined by the tiered structure based on their annual turnover, for a remote (online) license or an onsite license. The three-year license will require operators to pay an annual contribution to the Social Impact Fund, which will be earmarked for facilitating responsible gambling and supporting social programs.
Player Protection and Regulatory Measures
Player protection is a key component of the new Irish gaming regulations, and it is being asserted through various regulatory measures. The major changes in the Irish gambling laws pertain to advertising restrictions, which are extremely important.
From now onward, there shall be a restriction on gambling advertisements with specific time slots, and there will be a 5:30 am to 9:00 pm watershed period. This will ensure that all sensitive groups, particularly young children, do not get exposed to promotions related to gambling at inappropriate times.
Besides advertising rules, the laws bring in a countrywide gambling opt-out list, which will let people exclude themselves from certain businesses or all betting actions for fixed times. This is a key help in shielding those who could be in danger of forming betting issues, making sure that they get the resources and backing needed to take a break from betting.
New Compliance Standards and Market Impact
New technical and compliance standards for operators. Truly, this means having very solid systems in player account management, data protection, responsible gambling tools—anything related to compliance because GRAI will conduct continuous compliance checks and has discretionary enforcement powers, hence able to respond quickly to any emerging risk and make sure that the operator is meeting required standards.
The new regulatory regime should affect the Irish gambling market a lot. The principles of legal clarity and equal treatment will probably attract more remote (online) operators since they now have a clear and reliable framework under which to operate. Modernization is set up to drive growth and innovation for the sector, in turn driving reputable international operators into the Irish Market.
Transition to GRAI and Social Impact Fund
For existing operators, the change to full GRAI will be slow, with permits given by the Revenue Commissioners staying valid until new rules take complete effect. This old system will eventually have to make way for the new system, leading to much more simplified and standardized operations across the board.
Also, the annual sums to the Social Impact Fund will be used to assist gambling education, research, and care for problem gambling. This shows a strong commitment to social responsibility and highlights Ireland’s efforts to balance the growth of the gambling industry with its duty to protect vulnerable people.
The new rules were communicated in clear time steps. GRAI kicked off operations in March 2025, opening the 1st tranche of applications for betting licenses towards the end of 2025. Licenses for online gaming — meaning online casinos — will come in 2026. By 2027, all categories of licenses will be fully implemented; regulated betting gets a clean slate in Ireland.
Wrapping up
The coming of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 and setting up the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is a big move for the Irish betting field. These laws are meant to make things open and take current steps in keeping players safe as well as bringing the field into modern times. This will make Ireland, by giving clear and detailed rules, a center for allowed online casinos and betting companies.
