The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) commenced the issuance of remote betting licences on July 1, 2026. This regulatory update mandates that all online and telephone betting operators secure official authorization to continue operations.
Under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, licensed entities must adhere to specific compliance obligations. Operators are required to verify user age to prevent underage gambling and guarantee the payout of winnings. The regulations also prohibit facilitating credit and accepting credit card payments, while mandating account closure upon customer request.
Phased Implementation and Future Licensing
The licensing rollout follows a scheduled timeline. In-person betting licences are expected to be distributed later in 2026, with applications for gaming, lottery, B2B, and charitable sectors opening throughout 2027 and 2028. Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan stated that the new regime strengthens Ireland's market reputation and ensures consistent compliance standards.
GRAI CEO Anne Marie Caulfield noted that remote betting represents the largest segment of the Irish market. She emphasized that unlicensed operators pose significant risks to consumers and face criminal penalties. The authority has begun identifying entities operating without the required betting licence.