If you are looking to play at an online casino in Ireland, there are gambling regulations you should understand to make sure you stay on the right side of the law. Just last year, a new statutory body known as the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) was established.
The regulator’s powers are defined in the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, which puts the watchdog in charge of all matters related to gambling in Ireland. The agency is also expected to create the gambling regulatory framework and award licences to all gambling operations, including betting, lotteries and games of chance.
Irish players looking to enjoy what these providers have to offer need to conduct due diligence and find out from reviews and reputable sources how the regulations work to avoid scams or illegal activity.
Today, you can access sites ranging from crypto specialists to free spins casinos and no-deposit casinos in Ireland. Aside from the players’ due diligence, the government has a responsibility to regulate this emerging and thriving market. They ensure the legitimacy of operators and the safety of players’ information and funds.
Here’s what you need to know about the new law and how it impacts your experience at online casinos operating in Ireland.
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI)
As it stands, the GRAI is an independent agency that monitors public safety and responsible gambling practices. This includes both physical and online gambling operations and charges the body with regulating related content, such as how advertisements are shown.
One thing the new law does not cover is the national lottery, which is regulated separately.
For starters, all previous laws governing the licensing and regulation of gambling operations in Ireland are defunct, following the establishment of the GRAI. Among the old laws that were annulled are:
- The Betting Act of 1931
- The Gaming and Lotteries Act of 1956
In March 2025, the GRAI took control of the gambling regulatory responsibility under the leadership of President and CEO Marie Ann Caulfield and Chairman Paul Quinn. As part of this official announcement, the application guidelines for business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) licenses were released.
If you visit the GRAI website, you will find that the guidelines include a phased licensing procedure that starts with B2C betting licenses. B2B licenses, along with charitable and philanthropic activities, are set to receive guidelines as the details are hammered out.
Operators should keep in mind that the online applications for the combined in-person and remote operations for the B2C licenses will go live later in 2025.
Gambling licences in Ireland
Physical or online casino operators looking to do business in Ireland will need a permit from the Irish government. This means you must apply for a licence that allows you to conduct all permitted gambling activities within the law. GRAI provides the following license categories:
- Business-to-consumer gaming (B2C)
- Betting and lottery licences
- Business-to-business (B2B)
- Gambling licences for charitable/philanthropic causes
Business-to-business gambling licence
With this licence, the holder can sell or provide gambling products or services to other companies. This includes operators licensed within Ireland and abroad.
Business-to-consumer gambling licence
This license allows businesses to sell or provide gambling products or services to the ultimate consumer directly. Operators with B2C gambling licences can offer sports betting, casino games or lottery, both online and at land-based operations.
Gaming licences
This gaming licence refers to the permit required to operate a casino in Ireland. It proves that all operations involving casino-style games and gaming machines are free of fraudulent activities.
In-person gaming licence
With the in-person gaming license, the licensee can offer games from one or more locations in Ireland to individuals who come in to play games.
Remote gaming licence
A remote gaming licence enables the holder of the licence to supply games to those who visit their sites by remote means.
In-person and remote gaming licence
The holder of this license is allowed to provide casino games to Irish players. They can do this in physical locations or remotely, such as through online casinos. In addition to casino operator gaming licenses, the Act also prescribes betting licenses for bookmakers and other betting services. Licenses can be acquired by application to the Revenue Commissioner.
Phasing out the old laws and licenses
With the new Act, operators who are licensed under the old rules are permitted to continue to operate lawfully for the remaining term stated on their license as long as the operator abides by the requirements of the outgoing legislation.
As the new regime takes effect, some licenses will need to be renewed. Until the new Gambling Act is fully enacted, some licenses will continue to be governed by older laws. These will remain in effect in the District Courts and An Garda Síochána until the year 2026, when the new law will come into effect for everyone.
Applying for licenses in Ireland
The GRAI outlines a seven-step application process to be followed to obtain a license. Before applications are submitted, the operators must publish a Notice of Intention at least 28 days in advance. Applicants should be aware that their submissions will be assessed using a risk-based evaluation model that includes transparency requirements for the ownership structure, beneficial holders or owners and the business model.
Successful licensees’ businesses will be regulated by the new laws. This will ensure that they report any changes in regulatory standing, operations and ownership changes, amongst other relevant matters.
The GRAI also cleared up some questions stakeholders posed with regard to details on licensing fees, durations and the eligibility criteria for EU and foreign-based companies.
It becomes clear here that Ireland is moving in a new and contemporary direction with this update. As the availability of gambling grows and its nature becomes critical, the government is positioning itself to address hurdles head-on and safeguard players.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
