Ireland Prepares to Launch Phased Gambling Licensing System
Ireland’s newly formed gambling authority is preparing to accept licence applications from gambling providers under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. The first phase will focus on Business-to-Consumer licences, with further licence types to follow later in the year.
New Authority to Oversee Gambling Regulation
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), officially established on March 5, 2025, is taking charge of licensing and supervising all gambling activity in the country. Under the new legislation, any operator offering gambling products or services to Irish consumers—whether based in Ireland or operating remotely—must hold a licence issued by the GRAI.
Until the new system is fully in place, gambling operators must continue to follow existing licensing rules. This includes working with the Revenue Commissioners under the Betting Act 1931 and the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956. Meanwhile, District Courts and An Garda Síochána will keep handling lottery-related applications. The current arrangements remain valid but are intended to serve only as a bridge to the new licensing structure.
Step-by-Step Guidance for Applicants
To support businesses preparing for the new process, GRAI has published a set of licensing application guidelines. Applicants will need to begin by publishing a formal notice of their intention to apply for a licence. This notice must be made public at least 28 days before submitting the full application and should be forwarded to the GRAI with proof of publication.
Following this, operators must gather documentation confirming their financial standing, business structure, corporate governance, and compliance policies. These include items like financial statements, anti-money laundering procedures, and details about beneficial owners and key officers.
Once all documents are ready, the application must be submitted online. A fee will apply and is based on the company’s previous or projected turnover. After submission, the GRAI will assess the application, possibly requesting further information or contacting other regulators if needed.
In-Person Venues Will Undergo Inspection
Operators seeking licences to offer in-person betting must also go through a premises assessment. A GRAI representative will visit each location to confirm it meets regulatory standards for gambling activity. Applicants will need to provide floor plans, fire safety compliance documents, and other site-related materials.
After reviewing the application and any supporting documents, GRAI will inform each applicant whether their licence has been approved or denied. Licence holders will then have an obligation to report any significant changes to their ownership, financial status, or leadership structure. Certain changes, such as exceeding licence fee thresholds, may require a variation to the original licence.
Licence Categories and Future Phases
In the first phase, the GRAI will issue B2C betting licences for both remote and in-person operations. Remote betting intermediary licences will also become available. Each licence type requires specific information, including technical details for online operators, venue maps for land-based betting, and customer-facing policies like terms and conditions.
Applications for gaming and lottery licences will open at a later date.