GRAI begins issuing gambling licences as Ireland transitions to regulated market

• Minister Jim O’Callaghan signed a commencement order enabling GRAI to issue gambling licences.
• Remote operators must be licensed by 1 July 2026, in-person operators by 1 December 2026.
• Operators must submit the Notice of Intention 28 days before a full licence application.

Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has signed a commencement order allowing the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) to issue licences to gambling operators.

The order activates licensing powers under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 passed by the Oireachtas (Ireland’s national parliament). GRAI was established in 2024 to regulate gambling activities in Ireland.

“Today marks another important step towards replacing Ireland’s outdated gambling laws with a streamlined and simplified licensing framework. This reflects the nature of modern gambling and takes into account the harms associated with problem gambling, by providing safeguards to protect people from those harms, especially children,” Minister O’Callaghan said.

Licensing deadlines set for operators

GRAI can issue licences to new entrants as soon as feasible. The authority will licence remote operators from 1 July 2026 and in-person operators from 1 December 2026, when their existing licences issued by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners expire.

The phased approach allows existing operators to transition from the current system to GRAI oversight. Remote gambling operators face an earlier deadline than land-based venues.

“The Act provides the Authority with the necessary enforcement powers to take appropriate and focused action where licensees fail to comply with licensing terms, conditions and regulations, and to deal with unlicensed operators, those operating without the correct licence, or those in contravention of the terms of a licence issued by the Authority,” Minister O’Callaghan added.

Administrative sanctions and investigative powers

The Commencement Order confers investigative powers to GRAI and establishes administrative sanctions. Fines of up to €20 million or 10% of a licensee’s turnover, whichever is greater, can be imposed on operators found contravening the Gambling Regulation Act 2024.

Criminal enforcement powers have been commenced and GRAI can apply to the Court for orders directing illegal operators to cease operations.

Key consumer protection measures

The order commences several protective measures for gambling customers. Credit cards are prohibited as a payment method for gambling activities.

Children cannot gamble or be employed by licensees under the new provisions. Remote gambling providers must protect children online through mandatory safeguards.

Customers can set monetary limits on online or remote gambling spending. The authority can limit amounts deposited with licensees to protect account holders.

Remote gambling account operations face regulatory oversight. Obligations cover account closure procedures and refund processes for customer funds.

Phased licensing approach

GRAI is opening licensing in phases, starting with business-to-consumer (B2C) licences. Business-to-business (B2B) and charitable gambling licences will follow later.

Any operator offering gambling to consumers in Ireland, whether remote or land-based, requires a GRAI licence under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. The authority has published comprehensive guidance documents, including Licence Application Guidance and Guidance on Relevant Obligations for B2C operators.

Seven-step application process

GRAI’s licensing process follows a seven-step pathway. Operators must submit a Notice of Intention at least 28 days before filing a full application. This allows the authority to schedule reviews and allocate resources.

Applicants must provide detailed information on ownership and beneficial owners, organisational structure, business model, financials, compliance policies, and technical infrastructure. GRAI conducts risk-based assessments of all applications.

The authority examines corporate documentation, operational plans, and compliance frameworks before issuing licences. Operators must demonstrate they meet probity standards and can deliver gambling services responsibly.

Statutory compliance requirements

Licensed operators face ongoing obligations under the Act. They must maintain proper records and accounts, comply with reporting duties, and cooperate with GRAI oversight. The authority can request compliance reports at any time.

Safer gambling measures form a core component of the regulatory framework. B2C licensees must ensure staff receive approved training and provide tools for customers to set monetary limits. Operators must prevent participation by children and report suspicious gambling patterns.

Licensees must notify GRAI of suspicious gambling activity. This reporting obligation helps the authority identify potential money laundering, match-fixing, or other illicit activities.

Licensed operators must notify GRAI of changes in ownership, control, business operations, or regulatory status in other jurisdictions. This ensures the authority maintains current information on all licence holders.

Documentation and compliance frameworks

New entrants must build documented frameworks for anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, responsible gambling, age verification, identity verification, and advertising compliance. These frameworks must reflect GRAI’s Guidance on Relevant Obligations and advertising rules established under the Act.

Operators must map their product and channel mix to specific GRAI licence categories before applying. Online, retail, betting, casino, and lottery activities each fall under distinct licensing requirements.

The commencement of licensing transitions Ireland from an unlicensed to a regulated gambling market. As GRAI processes initial applications, its interpretation of statutory requirements will establish regulatory precedents.