Ireland’s newly formed gambling regulator has received the green light to start issuing licences to operators. Minister for Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration Jim O’Callaghan enabled this by signing an order that activates core parts of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024.

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), formed under the legislation and officially established in March 2025, now oversees the licensing process. The commencement order came into effect on Feb. 5, allowing the GRAI to proceed.

The independent GRAI can issue licences to new entrants “as soon as is feasible.” Existing licences from the Office of the Revenue Commissioners expire on July 1 for online operators and Dec. 1 for in-person operators, after which businesses must transition to GRAI licences.

The regulator will implement oversight, complaints, and enforcement systems, including investigative authority and the ability to fine operators the greater of 10% of turnover or €20 million ($23.6 million). Criminal enforcement powers also take effect, allowing the GRAI to seek court orders forcing illegal operators to shut down.

Modern Framework Replaces 1931 Law

Minister O’Callaghan played a central role in driving the passage of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 through Parliament, following several false starts and delays.

The new law replaces the Betting Act of 1931. Speaking about the commencement order, O’Callaghan said the “streamlined and simplified” licensing framework reflects modern gambling enforcement and will deliver stronger safeguards, especially for children.

It also activates a ban on credit card gambling, tighter limits on bonuses, and a ban on gambling ads on TV and radio between 5:30 am and 9 pm.

A Three-Year Roadmap

Applicants must publish a public notice of intent at least 28 days before filing and submit a business plan. A dedicated GRAI Operator Portal opens on Feb. 9 to simplify the process.

The GRAI’s Strategy Statement 2025-2027 outlines plans to launch annual inspection programs in July 2026 and create dedicated investigation and enforcement units by Q3 2026.

The regulator will also create a National Gambling Exclusion Register, similar to the UK’s GamStop, which all licensees must join. In addition, a new industry levy will raise at least €14 million ($16.5 million) annually for a Social Impact Fund to support addiction treatment, public education, research, and community interventions.

Concerns From the Industry

Not everyone supports the new framework. Speaking to the Irish Independent, AK Bets owner Anthony Kaminskas called the system “extremely self-defeating,” warning that gambling harm could rise despite tighter rules. He said licensed operators already take compliance seriously.

Kaminskas argued that regulatory breaches pose a bigger business risk than losing money to winning customers. He also warned that heavy taxes and advertising restrictions could instead push players to offshore sites.

Pointing to other European markets, he said Belgium’s licensed sector fell from 85% market share to 15% over five years after stricter rules took effect. Offshore sites, he added, offer far weaker consumer protections. Paddy Power owner Flutter Entertainment has echoed these concerns.

Growing Conversations About Addiction Levels

Ireland has waited decades for a gambling reform. Until now, the Revenue Commissioners regulated the sector under the Betting Act 1931 and the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956, but enforcement remained limited. The GRAI will now take a far more active role.

Addiction concerns continue to rise. The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) estimates that one in 30 adults in Ireland struggles with problem gambling, roughly ten times the 2019 levels. Annual gambling spend stands at roughly €5.5 billion ($6.5 billion), with about 28% linked to problem gamblers.

Separate research commissioned by the GRAI found strong links between childhood gambling exposure, parental gambling habits, and a higher risk of developing gambling problems later in life.

Operators are now preparing for the new licensing process as the regulator builds its enforcement and consumer protection systems. With applications opening this month and major safeguards rolling out through 2026, Ireland’s gambling sector is entering its most significant overhaul in nearly a century.

 

 

 

 

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