April 25, 2025

Ireland’s New Gambling Licences Are on the Way – Here’s What You Need to Know

Ireland is gearing up for its biggest gambling regulation overhaul in decades, where the future is about to be rewritten. The newly formed Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is calling on betting shops, casino operators, and gambling suppliers to step up and register their interest in a license as part of a sweeping new framework under the Gambling Regulation Act.

This is the first move in a bold new era for Irish Casinos as the GRAI prepares to launch its official licensing portal before the end of the year. The goal is to gauge interest across license categories and build a strong network of applicants who will shape Ireland’s regulated gambling landscape.

 Once licences are issued, brace yourself for tighter rules – think advertising restrictions, promotion limitations, and a brand-new code of conduct for gambling in Ireland.

Why Is Ireland Changing Its Gambling Laws?

 Ireland’s current gambling laws are long overdue for an upgrade. Some of the legislation dates back to the 1930s, a time when online casinos in Ireland weren’t even a distant thought. Fast forward to today, and the digital gambling boom has completely outpaced the old system, leaving huge gaps in regulation, especially when it comes to online betting and gaming. Online casinos in Ireland weren’t even a distant thought. Fast forward to today, and the digital gambling boom has completely outpaced the old system, leaving huge gaps in regulation, especially when it comes to online betting and gaming.

The push for reform is all about catching up with reality. The government’s main goal is to create a modern, fit-for-purpose framework that protects consumers, especially vulnerable players, while also bringing online gambling under proper control. Until now, operators in the digital space have largely existed in a regulatory grey zone, but the new laws aim to fix that with clear rules, licensing, and enforcement.

By introducing the GRAI and overhauling the legal landscape, the country is laying the groundwork for a safer, more transparent industry, one that balances entertainment with responsibility.

What’s Included in the New Licensing System?

 Ireland’s gambling watchdog, the GRAI, was brought to life under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, and it’s not here to play soft. If you’re in the gambling business, online or on the ground, you’ll need to get licensed under this new regime.

So, who needs a licence? Pretty much everyone from remote sportsbooks and in-person betting shops to online casino operators, gaming tech providers, and even charitable raffles.
Here’s how the new licensing structure breaks down:

B2C licences are for operators targeting players directly. This includes:
- Remote betting (online sportsbooks)
- In-person betting (your classic bookie shops)
- Remote betting intermediaries
- Remote gaming (online casinos)
- Remote lotteries

B2B licences are for the folks behind the scenes, those who provide the tools of the trade. This includes:
- Gaming machines and physical betting hardware
- Software providers
- Odds and trading service suppliers
- Hosting platforms and technical support services

Charity licences are for philanthropic initiatives, like pool betting at fundraising events or community lotteries. But a heads-up: these licences won’t be rolled out in 2025. Charities will need to stick with the current permit system for now.

GRAI’s approach is built on three key pillars: corporate checks, financial checks, and technical due diligence. This means a thorough vetting process for every applicant, with a strong focus on compliance and transparency.

While the exact date is still under wraps, the licensing portal is expected to go live later in 2025, with remote betting and in-person betting applications taking priority. Online gaming licences will follow in early 2026, with additional licence categories staggered through 2027.

What This Means for Operators and Players in Ireland

 The new regulatory shake-up is more than just a facelift, and it’s a fundamental shift in how gambling will operate across Ireland. For operators, the message is loud and clear: adapt or get left behind. Under the new rules, advertising will face serious restrictions, including a watershed that bans gambling ads during certain hours to protect younger and more vulnerable audiences. 

Promotions will also be under heavy scrutiny, with flashy welcome bonuses and aggressive offers facing tighter controls and stricter transparency requirements.

But that’s just the beginning. Responsible gambling is moving to the forefront, with mandatory tools like deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and real-time player monitoring becoming part of the new norm. GRAI isn’t just setting the rules, and it’s enforcing them. Operators who don’t toe the line risk fines, licence suspensions, or even being shut out of the market entirely.

For players, this overhaul brings a wave of positive change. The focus on player protection means safer, more transparent gambling environments, fewer predatory practices, and more control over their gaming habits. It’s a new era for Irish gambling, one where fairness, responsibility, and player well-being finally take centre stage.

Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?

As Ireland edges closer to a fully regulated gambling market, industry players are watching the rollout with a mix of anticipation and caution. While some operators have welcomed the clarity and structure the GRAI brings, others are bracing for the impact of tighter restrictions and tougher compliance checks. Either way, it’s clear that the landscape is changing fast.

What’s still up in the air? Exact timelines for when the full application window will open remain unconfirmed, although the regulator has hinted at a late 2025 launch for B2C and B2B licences. Charity licences, on the other hand, are expected to stay under the existing permit system for now. GRAI is still fine-tuning the finer details, including the technical and financial requirements operators will need to meet.

Once the licensing portal goes live, expect a rush of applications from both local and international operators eager to lock in their place in Ireland’s new legal framework. It’s a critical moment – one that will shape the future of gambling in the country for years to come.