Ireland’s New Gambling Regulator Set to Open Licensing Window

Changes in gambling legislation that came into effect in 2024 continue to have an impact on the Irish betting industry. Under the rules, any operator looking to provide services here must apply for a new license.

Licensing and regulation will be carried out by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, (GRAI), and the organisation has scheduled a window for new license applications.

Transitional Times

The move has followed a number of significant changes in legislation, much of which relates to advertising. TV ads promoting betting companies can no longer be shown before the watershed, while it must be overtly clear that a gambling product is being advertised.

Changes to payment methods and player protection have also been introduced in a huge shake-up for the industry. While internet gambling was formally legalised in 2003, the GRAI is the new governing body, introduced as part of the amended legislation. Accordingly, they are now responsible for regulating operators and granting licenses.

License Window

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland has asked any iGaming firm looking to trade here to register their interest. This will be the first move in a process that is likely to see a licensing window open before the end of the year.

The GRAI made the request on March 27th, and as part of the procedure, firms must state which type of license they are applying for. With the exception of the National Lottery, the authority will oversee all forms of gambling in Ireland, and the licenses in question are Business to Consumer, Business to Business, and Charities.

The move is intended to help the GRAI scope out the potential of the market. The level of applications will indicate the likely size of the sector within each license category.

Licensing Priority

Speaking to iGamingbusiness.com in March, Chief Executive Officer of the GRAI, Anne-Marie Caulfield, stated that the licensing process was the priority among all other aspects of the new legislation. She also confirmed that the authority is set to open for license applications before the end of 2025.

“We anticipate that we’ll be able to open for betting license applications, both online and on-site, before the end of the year,” Caulfield said. “And then we’re moving on to online gaming early in 2026 and then working our way through the other phases of licensing out to 2027.”

Process in Progress

For all gambling firms currently trading in Ireland, and for those looking to set up here for the first time, the process is underway, but it’s clearly likely to be a lengthy one. The GRAI’s announcement marks the start of a consultation period where other decisions will be made.

The GRAI will also take this time to decide on tax rates and licensing fees, along with the length of the licenses issued. The extended period will also allow the organisation to carry out a comprehensive vetting process, which will include corporate, financial, and technical checks.

“There’ll be a fairly thorough vetting system, and that will be our priority in the first instance,” Anne-Marie Caulfield concluded.

The process is underway, and the first step for all operators is to register their interest with the GRAI ahead of the proposed licensing window later this year.