Ireland Launches New Licensing Regime for Gambling Industry After Ministerial Order
Ireland has finally launched its new licensing regime for the gambling industry after Minister of Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration Jim O’Callaghan signed a commencement order to allow the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) to start accepting license applications.
The signed order will allow the GRAI to start processing applications for remote and offline betting licenses under the Gambling Regulation Act of 2024. The order also launches the enforcement and complaints procedures that will support the new licensing regime in Ireland.
The GRAI has announced that the new licensing regime will officially open on 9 February 2026.
Centralised Licensing System
Under the new regime, aspiring operators will have to make their applications for licenses through a centralized process that involves background checks, site visits, and notices of intention. The Authority made it clear that all applications will be thoroughly vetted before they are approved.
The rollout of the new regime will be done in phases and will involve several categories of licenses, such as remote betting licenses, betting licenses, and remote betting intermediary licenses. This will help ensure a smooth transition into the new regime.
Operators will have to meet certain standards of suitability that involve financial viability, legal sources of funding, and the ability to honor customer obligations, such as paying out winnings. The new regime also gives high priority to responsible gambling provisions.
Regulatory Perspective
Paul Quinn, Chairperson of the GRAI, said the commencement order provides the Authority with the statutory powers required to regulate the industry effectively. He noted that transparency and compliance sit at the core of the licensing framework and are central to the Authority’s public health mandate.
GRAI CEO Anne Marie Caulfield described the launch as a milestone in the Authority’s regulatory journey. She stated that the new licensing system is designed to ensure only reputable operators enter the Irish market, strengthening consumer protection and reducing gambling-related harm.
Caulfield encouraged operators to engage early with the application process to support efficient processing timelines.
Market Context
The new licensing system in Ireland is one of the most important regulatory changes in the country’s gambling industry. The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 brings a structured approach to regulation, ensuring that the industry is brought in line with best practices internationally.
Closing
The GRAI is now fully operational as the central gambling regulator in Ireland, as applications open this month. The GRAI has announced that it will continue to implement its strategy over the next number of years to create a transparent, accountable, and consumer-focused gambling environment.
