Ireland set to offer new licenses to betting operators, what's next
Ireland is finally creating a unified regulatory framework for gambling by authorizing the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) to offer licenses to betting operators, setting the stage for modernizing online betting in the country.
Ireland has had in-person and online betting platforms for quite some time, but the country was facing an outdated framework that didn’t mesh properly with most modern platforms. This was especially evident in modern mobile gambling and the seeming lack of up-to-date safety measures.
The Irish government tried to fix this issue by passing the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 and creating GRAI. The gambling authority has now been granted additional powers and has opened applications for betting operators to apply for licenses. Here’s what to expect next in the country as it moves its betting industry forward.
When will betting licences be approved and issued in Ireland?
Ministers expect betting licenses to be approved for new operators as “soon as is feasible,” and more specifically operators and their online betting sites are expected to become eligible for licensing from July 1. In-person licenses are likely to be issued starting December 1. Analysts are hopeful that interested operators will be able to get the new licenses issued before the calendar year of 2026 ends, depending on their existing licenses expiring.
The application process has already begun for licensing, and GRAI will review each applicant before deciding whether to approve their license request. Operators will be gauged on their compliance with player safety, responsible gambling measures, and financial stability before being approved. Ireland aims to ensure the new framework deters offshore gambling while delivering betting licenses that keep its citizens safe with legal and regulated betting options.
What betting licenses are available in Ireland?
Ireland has made three categories of licenses available for betting operators, including business-to-business (B2B), business-to-consumer (B2C), and charitable licenses for both in-person and online platforms.
B2B licenses are for providers of platforms, software, or other services for B2C operators. Charitable betting licenses will be issued to nonprofit organizations that want to organize lotteries or other betting activities at events. B2C licenses are for betting operators that will offer betting services to players either in-person or online, and it’s these applications that will draw the most public interest from players curious to know which platforms will be made available for play.
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The licensing process will be overseen by GRAI, but the authority isn’t just a licensing body. GRAI is a full-fledged regulator that will also enforce compliance with rules and ensure operators meet safety and protection measures.
As is the case in other countries with similar setups, the nation’s gambling authority will have the power to suspend or revoke betting licenses if operators are judged as being in non-compliance. It can also force operators to pay penalties of up to €20 million for serious violations. The regulator can even prosecute, with real consequences on offer, if an operator makes a particularly egregious violation.
Operators will have the option to appeal any action taken against them, which will be overseen by an independent third party.
The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 has set certain rules that operators need to follow for player safety and responsible gambling. Credit cards and credit facilities are banned, meaning gambling operators can’t accept either. Platforms are required to implement age verification measures to ensure players below 18 can’t gamble, something that’s increasingly common for online services in general.
Alerts must also be sent to players detailing their spending, losses, and time spent gambling. Players must be able to limit deposits, losses, or play time, and operators must completely restrict marketing or access to self-excluded players.
Advertising also has specific timings, and operators are prohibited from offering free bets, matched bonuses, or VIP schemes to players.
Feature image credit: Canva
Khizar Mundia has been playing video games for as long as he can recall. Things have come a long way since the many days he spent playing the original NES, though. He now covers a variety of competitive games and esports, as well as the world of streaming, ranging from Twitch to Kick. If it’s of interest to gamers, it’s of interest to Khizar.
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