The GRAI is now actively processing Phase 2 online casino licence applications. Several major operators have submitted applications, and the first batch of GRAI-licensed online casinos is expected to launch in Ireland by mid-2026. This page is kept up to date with the latest developments.
What Is the GRAI (Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland)?
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, commonly known as the GRAI, is Ireland's dedicated, independent gambling regulator. Established under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, the GRAI represents the most significant overhaul of Irish gambling law in over a century, replacing the outdated frameworks that had governed betting and gaming since the Betting Act 1931 and the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956.
The GRAI became fully operational on 5 March 2025, marking a watershed moment for the Irish gambling industry. For the first time in the history of the State, Ireland has a modern, fit-for-purpose regulatory body with the teeth and the mandate to properly oversee all forms of gambling — from online casinos and sports betting to land-based gaming machines and lottery products.
Before the GRAI, Ireland was something of an anomaly in Europe. While countries like the United Kingdom had the Gambling Commission, Malta had the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), and Sweden had Spelinspektionen, Ireland relied on a patchwork of Victorian-era legislation and ad hoc ministerial orders. Online gambling, in particular, existed in a regulatory grey area — not explicitly illegal for Irish residents to participate in, but equally not properly regulated or licensed at a domestic level.
The GRAI's Core Functions
The GRAI is headquartered in Dublin and has been tasked with a broad range of regulatory functions:
- Licensing: Issuing, renewing, suspending, and revoking gambling licences for all operators wishing to offer services to Irish consumers
- Compliance monitoring: Conducting ongoing audits, inspections, and assessments of licensed operators to ensure adherence to regulatory standards
- Consumer protection: Safeguarding the interests of Irish gambling consumers, with a particular emphasis on preventing gambling-related harm
- Enforcement: Investigating breaches of gambling law and imposing sanctions, fines, or criminal proceedings where necessary
- Research & education: Funding and commissioning research into gambling behaviour, prevalence, and harm, and promoting public awareness
- Social fund management: Administering a social impact fund financed by operator levies to support gambling harm prevention and treatment services
- Advertising oversight: Regulating all gambling-related advertising and marketing in Ireland, including digital and social media channels
The GRAI is led by a Chief Executive and governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Minister for Justice. It operates independently of Government in its day-to-day regulatory decisions, similar to how the Central Bank of Ireland operates independently in financial regulation.
The Gambling Regulation Act 2024
The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 is the primary legislation that underpins the GRAI and Ireland's new gambling regulatory framework. The Act was passed by the Oireachtas on 16 October 2024 and was signed into law by President Michael D. Higgins on 23 October 2024.
This landmark legislation had been in development for over a decade, with various iterations and policy consultations dating back to the Gambling Control Bill 2013. Successive governments acknowledged the urgent need for reform, but it was not until the 33rd Dail that the political will finally aligned to push the legislation through all stages.
What the Act Covers
The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 is comprehensive in scope, covering virtually every aspect of gambling in Ireland:
- Establishment of the GRAI as an independent statutory body with full regulatory powers
- A modern licensing framework covering remote (online) gambling, in-person gambling, and business-to-business (B2B) supply services
- Robust consumer protection measures including mandatory deposit limits, a national self-exclusion register, credit card ban, and segregated player funds
- Comprehensive advertising restrictions with a watershed for broadcast advertising and strict rules on social media targeting
- Strong enforcement provisions including administrative fines of up to EUR 20 million or 10% of annual turnover (whichever is higher)
- Protections for children and vulnerable persons including enhanced age verification requirements and a ban on gambling advertising that appeals to minors
- Anti-money laundering (AML) provisions aligned with EU directives and FATF recommendations
- A social impact fund financed by licence fees and operator levies to fund gambling harm research, prevention, and treatment
Before this Act, Irish players had effectively no domestic regulatory protections when playing at online casinos. If something went wrong — a disputed payout, unfair terms, or account closure — your only recourse was to complain to a foreign regulator (typically the Malta Gaming Authority or the UK Gambling Commission). Under the new framework, the GRAI provides a dedicated complaints and dispute resolution mechanism specifically for Irish consumers.
Key Dates in the Legislative Journey
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| June 2019 | Inter-Departmental Working Group report on gambling published |
| October 2022 | General Scheme of the Gambling Regulation Bill published |
| November 2023 | Bill introduced in Dail Eireann |
| 16 October 2024 | Act passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas |
| 23 October 2024 | Signed into law by the President |
| 5 March 2025 | GRAI became fully operational |
| Q4 2025 | Phase 1: Remote betting applications opened |
| Q1-Q2 2026 | Phase 2: Online casino applications commenced |
GRAI Licence Types
One of the most significant aspects of the new regulatory framework is the introduction of a structured licensing regime. The GRAI issues several distinct categories of licence, each tailored to a specific type of gambling activity. Operators must hold the correct licence(s) for the services they wish to provide to Irish consumers.
B2C Remote Betting Licence
This licence covers operators who wish to offer online sports betting, exchange betting, and spread betting services to consumers based in the Republic of Ireland. This is the equivalent of the bookmaker's licence under the old regime, but updated for the digital age. Operators holding this licence can accept wagers on sporting events, racing, and other approved events through websites, mobile apps, and other remote communication channels.
Key requirements include real-time odds transparency, bet settlement rules approved by the GRAI, and integration with the National Gambling Exclusion Register.
B2C Remote Gaming Licence
This is the licence that covers online casinos, slots, table games, live dealer games, poker, bingo, and other games of chance offered remotely. For Irish casino players, this is the most relevant licence type. Operators must demonstrate that their games are fair, that Random Number Generators (RNGs) are independently tested and certified, and that Return to Player (RTP) percentages are clearly displayed.
This licence also covers virtual sports products and instant win games. The GRAI requires that all games available under this licence have been tested by an approved independent testing laboratory, such as eCOGRA, iTech Labs, BMM Testlabs, or GLI.
B2C In-Person Licence
This licence applies to land-based gambling operations including physical casinos, amusement arcades, gaming machine venues, and bingo halls. While Ireland has historically not had large-scale casino resorts (unlike many other European countries), the new framework provides a clear legal basis for in-person gaming operations.
Operators holding this licence must comply with premises-specific conditions including maximum numbers of gaming machines, stake and prize limits, and responsible gambling requirements such as self-exclusion systems and trained staff.
B2B Supplier Licence
This licence is required for companies that supply gambling software, platforms, games, or infrastructure to licensed B2C operators. This includes game developers (such as Microgaming, NetEnt, Play'n GO, and Pragmatic Play), platform providers, payment processing specialists, and live dealer studio operators.
The B2B licence ensures that the entire supply chain is regulated, not just the consumer-facing operator. This is crucial for maintaining game integrity and preventing manipulation.
An operator who wishes to offer both sports betting and casino games online will need to hold both a B2C Remote Betting Licence and a B2C Remote Gaming Licence. However, from 2027, the GRAI plans to introduce combined licences that will allow operators to offer multiple product types under a single licence, streamlining the process for larger operators.
Licensing Timeline & Phases
The GRAI has adopted a phased approach to licensing, recognising that processing a large volume of applications simultaneously would strain resources and potentially compromise the thoroughness of the vetting process. This approach also allows the Authority to build institutional capacity and refine its processes iteratively.
Phase 1 — Q4 2025: Remote Betting Applications
The first phase focused on remote betting operators, including online bookmakers and betting exchanges. This was a logical starting point, as many of these operators were already licensed under the old Betting Act regime and were therefore known quantities. The GRAI accepted applications from existing licensed bookmakers first, providing a transitional pathway for those already operating lawfully in Ireland.
During Phase 1, the GRAI processed applications from the major Irish and international bookmakers, including operators with established Irish customer bases. The application process required extensive documentation covering corporate structure, beneficial ownership, financial standing, anti-money laundering policies, responsible gambling frameworks, and technical infrastructure.
Phase 2 — Q1-Q2 2026: Online Casino Applications
Phase 2 is the phase most relevant to readers of IrelandRoots.com. Beginning in Q1 2026, the GRAI opened its application portal for B2C Remote Gaming Licences, allowing online casino operators to formally apply for an Irish licence for the first time.
This is genuinely historic. For the first time, online casinos serving Irish players will be required to hold a specific Irish licence, comply with Irish consumer protection standards, and submit to GRAI oversight. Previously, these operators typically held licences from Malta, Gibraltar, or Curacao and served Irish players on a cross-border basis without any Irish regulatory oversight.
The GRAI has indicated that it expects to begin issuing the first batch of B2C Remote Gaming Licences by mid-2026, meaning that fully GRAI-licensed online casinos could be available to Irish players before the end of the year.
Phase 3 — Q2-Q3 2026: Land-Based Operators
Phase 3 covers applications for B2C In-Person Licences. This includes existing amusement arcades, private members' gaming clubs, and any new entrants wishing to operate physical gaming premises in Ireland. The GRAI will conduct premises inspections as part of the application process and will impose conditions specific to each venue.
Phase 4 — Q3-Q4 2026: B2B Supplier Applications
The fourth phase extends the licensing requirement to business-to-business suppliers. Game developers, platform providers, payment processors, and other technology companies that supply services to GRAI-licensed operators will need to obtain their own B2B Supplier Licence. This ensures end-to-end regulatory oversight of the gambling supply chain.
Phase 5 — 2027: Combined Licences
From 2027, the GRAI plans to introduce combined licences that allow operators to bundle multiple licence types into a single authorisation. This will reduce administrative burden for larger operators who wish to offer betting, casino, and other gambling products under a single brand. The combined licence will still require compliance with all conditions attaching to each individual licence type.
| Phase | Timeline | Licence Type | Status (May 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Q4 2025 | B2C Remote Betting | Active |
| Phase 2 | Q1-Q2 2026 | B2C Remote Gaming (Online Casinos) | Processing |
| Phase 3 | Q2-Q3 2026 | B2C In-Person | Accepting Applications |
| Phase 4 | Q3-Q4 2026 | B2B Suppliers | Upcoming |
| Phase 5 | 2027 | Combined Licences | Planned |
Consumer Protection Provisions
Arguably the most impactful aspect of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 for ordinary Irish players is its comprehensive suite of consumer protection measures. These provisions were heavily influenced by public consultation submissions, international best practice (particularly from Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands), and the work of gambling harm advocacy groups in Ireland.
Credit Card Ban for Gambling
The Act introduces a complete ban on the use of credit cards for gambling transactions. This means you cannot use a Visa Credit, Mastercard Credit, or any other credit product to deposit funds at a GRAI-licensed gambling operator. This provision mirrors similar bans already in place in the United Kingdom and several other European jurisdictions.
The rationale is straightforward: gambling with borrowed money significantly increases the risk of financial harm. Credit cards effectively allow players to gamble with funds they do not have, potentially leading to spiralling debt. Only debit cards, e-wallets funded from debit sources, bank transfers, and prepaid cards will be accepted for deposits.
Mandatory Deposit Limits
All GRAI-licensed operators are required to implement mandatory deposit limit systems. When you open an account, you will be required to set a deposit limit — daily, weekly, or monthly. You can lower your limit at any time and the change takes effect immediately. If you wish to increase your limit, there is a mandatory cooling-off period (typically 24 to 72 hours) before the increase takes effect, giving you time to reconsider.
The GRAI has set maximum default deposit limits that apply until a player actively chooses otherwise. These limits are designed to protect new players who may not fully understand the risks of gambling and are set at levels that prevent excessive spending before engagement with responsible gambling tools.
National Gambling Exclusion Register
One of the most significant consumer protection innovations is the National Gambling Exclusion Register. This is a centralised, GRAI-managed database that allows any person to exclude themselves from all GRAI-licensed gambling operators simultaneously. Previously, if you wanted to self-exclude, you had to contact each operator individually — a cumbersome and often ineffective process.
The Register allows for exclusion periods of six months, one year, or five years. During the exclusion period, the individual will be barred from opening new accounts, making deposits, or placing bets at any GRAI-licensed operator. Operators are required to check new registrations and active sessions against the Register in real time. Breaches by operators carry significant penalties. For more on self-exclusion, see our Responsible Gambling guide.
Segregated Customer Accounts
The Act requires all GRAI-licensed operators to hold customer funds in segregated accounts, separate from the operator's own operational funds. This means that if an operator were to become insolvent, customer funds would be protected and could be returned in full. This is a critical protection that was entirely absent under the previous regime, where player deposits were often commingled with operator funds.
ATM Ban in Gambling Premises
ATM machines (cash machines) are banned from gambling premises under the new Act. This includes casinos, amusement arcades, and any other venues where gambling takes place. The rationale is to introduce a physical and psychological barrier between the act of gambling and the act of accessing additional funds, reducing the likelihood of impulsive top-up spending.
VIP and Inducement Ban
The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 introduces strict restrictions on VIP programmes and inducements. Operators are prohibited from offering targeted incentives to players who are showing signs of harmful gambling behaviour. The "whale hunting" practices that have been widely criticised in the international gambling industry — where dedicated account managers actively encourage high-spending players to gamble more — are explicitly outlawed.
Operators may still offer bonuses and promotions, but these must be offered on a general, non-targeted basis and must not be designed to incentivise excessive gambling. All bonus terms must be clear, fair, and prominently displayed. For more on how bonuses work, see our Casino Bonuses page.
Enhanced Age Verification
The minimum gambling age in Ireland remains 18 years old. The GRAI requires all licensed operators to conduct robust age verification before allowing any gambling activity. For online operators, this means electronic identity verification at the point of registration, before any deposit can be made. Operators cannot offer "play before you verify" arrangements.
Activity Statements and Reality Checks
Licensed operators must provide players with regular activity statements showing their deposit, withdrawal, win, and loss history. Players must also be given access to reality check tools — on-screen notifications that appear at regular intervals (e.g., every 30 or 60 minutes) reminding the player how long they have been playing and their net position.
Advertising Restrictions
The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 introduces some of the most stringent gambling advertising restrictions in Europe, reflecting the Oireachtas's concern about the normalisation of gambling, particularly among young people.
Broadcast Advertising Watershed
Gambling advertising on television and radio is banned between 5:30 AM and 9:00 PM. This effectively prohibits gambling ads during all daytime viewing and prime-time slots, including during live sporting events. This is a significant change — previously, gambling ads were a ubiquitous presence during GAA, Premier League, and other sporting broadcasts.
Even outside the watershed, gambling advertising on broadcast media must comply with content standards set by the GRAI, including requirements for responsible gambling messaging, age restriction warnings, and GambleAware signposting.
Social Media Restrictions
The Act imposes specific restrictions on gambling advertising on social media platforms. Operators are prohibited from using micro-targeted advertising that is directed at individuals under 25 years of age. Gambling ads on social media must include responsible gambling messaging and links to support services. Influencer marketing of gambling products is subject to disclosure requirements and content standards.
Operators are also banned from using imagery, language, or themes in their advertising that are likely to appeal to children or young people. This includes prohibitions on using cartoon characters, popular culture references associated with young audiences, or associations with video gaming culture.
Sponsorship
The Act introduces restrictions on gambling sponsorship of sporting events and teams. While not an outright ban at this stage, the GRAI has powers to introduce further restrictions by statutory instrument if it deems current sponsorship levels to be contributing to the normalisation of gambling. The relationship between gambling operators and GAA, League of Ireland, and other Irish sporting bodies is likely to come under increasing scrutiny.
Enforcement Powers & Penalties
The GRAI has been given substantial enforcement powers, significantly exceeding those available to any previous Irish gambling regulator. The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 provides for both administrative and criminal sanctions.
Administrative Sanctions
- Fines of up to EUR 20 million or 10% of annual global turnover (whichever is greater) for serious regulatory breaches
- Licence suspension or revocation for operators who fail to comply with licence conditions
- Public reprimands and warning notices for less serious breaches
- Directions to remedy requiring operators to take specific corrective actions within defined timeframes
- Prohibition orders preventing unlicensed operators from offering services to Irish consumers, including powers to request ISP blocking
Criminal Sanctions
Operating a gambling business in Ireland without a GRAI licence is a criminal offence carrying penalties of up to five years' imprisonment and/or unlimited fines on indictment. Advertising unlicensed gambling services to Irish consumers is also a criminal offence. Individual directors and officers of companies that commit offences under the Act can be held personally liable.
Unlicensed Operator Blocking
The GRAI has the power to request that Irish internet service providers (ISPs) block access to websites operated by unlicensed gambling operators. This URL-blocking regime mirrors approaches used in other European jurisdictions (notably Italy, France, and Denmark) and provides a practical enforcement mechanism against offshore operators who refuse to engage with the Irish licensing process.
Playing at unlicensed casinos in Ireland carries genuine risks. These operators are not subject to GRAI oversight, do not hold your funds in segregated accounts, and offer no recourse through Irish regulatory channels if something goes wrong. As GRAI licensing rolls out through 2026, we strongly recommend prioritising operators that hold (or have applied for) a GRAI licence. Check our homepage for our list of recommended, licensed casinos.
What This Means for Irish Players
The establishment of the GRAI and the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 represent a genuinely positive development for Irish casino players. Here is a summary of the practical benefits:
Greater Protection
For the first time, Irish players have a domestic regulatory body that is specifically tasked with protecting their interests. If you have a dispute with a casino — whether about a bonus, a payout, an account restriction, or anything else — you can escalate your complaint to the GRAI. This is a fundamental improvement over the previous situation, where your only option was to complain to a foreign regulator who had no particular obligation to prioritise Irish consumer interests.
Fairer Games
The GRAI licensing process includes rigorous game fairness testing. All games offered by GRAI-licensed casinos must be independently tested and certified by approved testing laboratories. RTP percentages must be publicly disclosed. This gives Irish players confidence that the games they are playing are genuinely fair and not rigged.
Safer Banking
With segregated customer funds, your casino balance is protected even if the operator runs into financial difficulties. The credit card ban and mandatory deposit limits also provide structural protections against excessive spending. For details on using your Irish bank for casino deposits, see our Irish Banking Guide.
Better Responsible Gambling Tools
The National Gambling Exclusion Register, mandatory deposit limits, reality checks, and activity statements all work together to provide a comprehensive responsible gambling framework. If you need to take a break from gambling, the tools will be there to support you. Visit our Responsible Gambling page for more information.
Clearer Advertising
The advertising restrictions mean you will see fewer gambling ads in your daily life, particularly during daytime television and on social media. When you do see gambling advertising, it will be required to carry responsible gambling messaging and support service information.
How to Verify a Casino Is Properly Licensed
Once GRAI-licensed casinos begin operating, it will be important for Irish players to know how to verify that a casino genuinely holds an Irish licence. Here is how to check:
Step 1: Check the Casino's Footer
All GRAI-licensed operators are required to display their licence number and the GRAI logo prominently on their website, typically in the footer. The licence number should be in the format assigned by the GRAI (e.g., GRAI-RG-2026-XXX for Remote Gaming licences).
Step 2: Search the GRAI Public Register
The GRAI maintains a public register of all licensed operators on its official website at grai.ie. You can search this register by operator name, licence number, or brand name to confirm that a licence is valid and current. The register will show the licence type, the date of issue, any conditions attached, and whether the licence is active, suspended, or revoked.
Step 3: Check for GRAI Compliance Indicators
GRAI-licensed casinos will be required to display several compliance indicators on their platforms:
- GRAI licence number in the footer
- Links to responsible gambling tools (deposit limits, self-exclusion, reality checks)
- A link to the National Gambling Exclusion Register
- Clear bonus terms and conditions
- RTP information for all games
- Complaints procedure with a link to the GRAI dispute resolution process
Step 4: Contact the GRAI Directly
If you have any doubt about whether an operator is genuinely licensed, you can contact the GRAI directly through its website or by telephone. The GRAI has a consumer helpline specifically for licence verification queries and gambling-related complaints.
During the transitional period (2025-2027), many reputable operators will still hold foreign licences (MGA, UKGC, etc.) while their GRAI applications are being processed. This does not necessarily mean they are unsafe — but once the GRAI licensing regime is fully established, we recommend prioritising operators that hold an Irish licence. We indicate licence status in all our casino reviews.
Transitional Arrangements
The GRAI has implemented transitional arrangements to ensure a smooth shift from the old regulatory framework to the new one. Operators who held valid licences under the previous regime (e.g., bookmakers licensed under the Betting Act 1931) have been given a defined period to apply for and obtain GRAI licences.
During the transitional period, operators who have submitted a bona fide GRAI licence application are permitted to continue operating while their application is being assessed, provided they comply with interim conditions set by the GRAI. This prevents a situation where legitimate operators would have to shut down while waiting for their applications to be processed.
The GRAI has indicated that the transitional period is expected to end by late 2027, by which point all operators serving Irish consumers should hold the appropriate GRAI licence(s). After this date, any operator without a GRAI licence will be considered unlicensed and subject to enforcement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
The GRAI (Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland) is Ireland's independent gambling regulator. It was established under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 and became fully operational on 5 March 2025. It is the first dedicated gambling regulator in the history of the Irish State.
In the short term, no. You can continue playing at the casinos you currently use. However, as GRAI-licensed casinos become available through 2026, we recommend transitioning to GRAI-licensed operators for better consumer protection. You may also notice new features like mandatory deposit limits and reality checks becoming more prevalent.
No. The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 introduces a complete ban on the use of credit cards for gambling transactions at GRAI-licensed operators. You can use debit cards (including Revolut), bank transfers, e-wallets, and prepaid cards. See our Payment Methods guide for full details.
Operators that do not obtain a GRAI licence will be considered unlicensed. The GRAI has powers to request ISP blocking of their websites in Ireland, pursue criminal prosecution, and impose substantial fines. While Irish players are not criminalised for using unlicensed operators, you will have no regulatory protection if something goes wrong.
The National Gambling Exclusion Register is being developed as part of the GRAI's operational infrastructure. It is expected to be fully operational once the first batch of GRAI-licensed operators goes live. In the meantime, you can self-exclude directly with individual operators. For immediate help, see our Responsible Gambling page.
No. The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 does not change the tax treatment of gambling winnings for players. Gambling winnings remain tax-free for individual players in Ireland. The tax burden falls on the operator through betting duty and licence fees, not on the consumer. For more details, see our Tax-Free Winnings Guide.
The GRAI draws significant inspiration from the UK Gambling Commission but includes several provisions that go further, particularly around advertising restrictions (the Irish broadcast watershed is broader) and the credit card ban (which was implemented from the outset rather than as a subsequent reform). The GRAI also benefits from learning from the UKGC's experience and avoiding some of its early missteps.
During the transitional period (through 2027), casinos holding licences from reputable jurisdictions like Malta (MGA) or Gibraltar can continue to accept Irish players, especially if they have applied for a GRAI licence. After the transitional period ends, only GRAI-licensed operators will be permitted to legally offer gambling services to Irish consumers.
The GRAI can impose administrative fines of up to EUR 20 million or 10% of annual global turnover (whichever is greater). It can suspend or revoke licences, issue public warnings, and request ISP blocking of unlicensed operator websites. Operating without a licence is a criminal offence carrying up to five years' imprisonment.
The GRAI's official website is grai.ie, where you can find the public register of licensed operators, consumer guidance, complaints procedures, and regulatory updates. The full text of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 is available on the Irish Statute Book at irishstatutebook.ie.