Ireland Launches Remote Betting Licences

New phase of gambling regulation begins

July 1, 2026 marks the official commencement of remote betting and betting intermediary licences issued by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), representing another major step in the country's new gambling regulatory framework.

New protections for Irish consumers

Licensed operators are now required to comply with a range of consumer protection measures introduced under Ireland's new gambling legislation.

These include mandatory age verification procedures, obligations to pay out winnings, the prohibition of credit facilities and credit card gambling, and requirements to close customer accounts upon request.

The GRAI also has authority to monitor compliance, investigate operators, impose sanctions and take enforcement action against unlicensed gambling activity.

Government welcomes regulatory milestone

Ireland's Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan, welcomed the launch of the new licensing regime that launches a new era for gambling regulation

“The commencement of licences for remote betting operators establishes a clear and robust regulatory regime for the gambling sector, strengthening Ireland’s reputation as a well-regulated market, and ensuring operators are held to consistent standards of compliance."

“I welcome the progress made today as part of the phased implementation of licences for the gambling sector in Ireland.”

GRAI begins with the largest betting segment

According to GRAI CEO Anne Marie Caulfield, remote betting was selected as the first sector to transition into the new licensing framework due to its size within the Irish gambling market.

“We commenced the roll out of our licensing with the largest segment of the Irish betting market, remote betting."

“Once an operator is licensed by the GRAI, they are required to comply with all commenced obligations under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. This means that as of today, consumers in Ireland have important new protections when they bet online or over the phone.”

Licensing process includes strict operator checks

The regulator emphasized that obtaining a licence involves extensive due diligence to ensure operators meet legal and financial standards.

“The GRAI licensing application process is substantial with a number of important requirements that operators must satisfy before they can be approved, this is to check that operators are (a) fit and proper, (b) have financial capacity to provide gambling activity, and (c) that winnings are funded from lawful means.”

Focus on illegal gambling operators

Caulfield also warned consumers about the risks associated with unlicensed operators and confirmed that enforcement efforts are already underway.

“It is important for consumers to understand the dangers of unlicensed operators. When gambling is unlicensed, oversight is removed and the risk of harm is radically increased."

“Tackling illegal operators is also a major priority for the GRAI, it is a criminal offence to operate without a betting licence, and our work has commenced in identifying unlicensed operators.”

Additional licences to follow

The rollout of GRAI licences will continue in phases, with applications for gaming, lottery, B2B, charitable and philanthropic licences scheduled to open throughout 2027 and 2028.