Irish government approves licensing powers for gambling regulator

The Irish government has formally approved new licensing and regulatory powers for the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). This is a major step in the country’s long-awaited gambling reform process.

GRAI can soon begin accepting and processing applications for betting licences. This covers both remote and land-based activity. The development follows the introduction of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 and paves the way for a modernised licensing framework. Alongside, there will be tougher enforcement measures aimed at reducing gambling-related harm.

GRAI cleared to begin issuing licences

Ireland’s Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, has signed an order granting additional powers to the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland. The approval enables the regulator to begin accepting and processing licence applications from this week.

“The Authority can issue licences for new entrants as soon as is feasible, licence remote operators from 1 July 2026 and in-person operators from 1 December 2026, when their existing licences, issued by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, expire.” Jim O’Callaghan

The order relates to the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. This established the GRAI as Ireland’s new gambling regulator. The legislation was passed in October 2024, with the authority formally assuming its role in March 2025.

Under its new powers, the GRAI can issue licences for both remote and in-person betting activity.

Three core licence types for operators

The new framework introduces three main licence categories:

• B2C licences. These apply to in-person betting at physical venues as well as remote betting, including pool betting. A separate remote betting intermediary licence will allow operators to facilitate betting between players online.
• B2B licences. These will permit companies to supply gambling products or gambling-related services to licensed operators.
• Charity licences. These may be issued for charitable or philanthropic gambling activities, such as lotteries or pool betting at specific events.

O’Callaghan said the GRAI can issue licences for new market entrants “as soon as is feasible”. Remote operators can be licensed from 1 July, while in-person operators will be licensed from 1 December, when existing permits expire.

Enforcement powers and advertising restrictions

Alongside licensing, the GRAI will oversee compliance with new restrictions set out under the act. Measures include a ban on credit cards as a payment method for gambling, mandatory player spending limits, and a prohibition on placing ATMs inside gambling premises.

The legislation also bans inducements such as VIP schemes, free bets, free credit and complimentary hospitality. A national self-exclusion register will be introduced under the GRAI’s authority.

Advertising rules will require consumers to opt in to receive marketing, alongside a watershed banning gambling advertising on TV and radio between 5.30am and 9pm.

GRAI granted €20m fine authority

The regulator has also been granted investigative powers and the ability to issue significant financial penalties. Fines can reach up to €20m, or 10% of a licensee’s turnover, whichever is higher.

The GRAI will also be able to apply for court orders directing unlicensed operators to cease operations.

O’Callaghan said the new powers would allow the authority to take “appropriate and focused” action against both licensed operators that breach regulations and those operating without the correct authorisation.