Ireland’s regulator aiming to award gambling licences by 2026

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has initiated a call for expressions of interest from prospective operators looking to obtain gambling licences, with plans to launch the licensing portal by the end of the year.

The establishment of GRAI is a significant development in response to the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, which empowers the authority to oversee and grant licences for all forms of gambling activities in Ireland, excluding the national lottery.

As of March 27, the GRAI has commenced its registration process for potential licensees, aiming to gauge the volume of interest across various licensing categories. This initial step is crucial for assessing the market landscape and understanding the needs of stakeholders within the gambling sector.

Moreover, GRAI seeks to create a comprehensive contact list of interested parties to keep them informed as the licensing system evolves. Operators and suppliers can express their interest by participating in the GRAI survey available here.

In a conversation with iGB earlier this month, GRAI CEO Anne-Marie Caulfield emphasized that prioritizing the licensing process is essential, given that “the vast majority of the obligations” the authority will enforce are tied to this structural framework.

“We expect to open applications for betting licences—both for online and on-site (land-based) operations—before the year concludes. Following that, we will move on to online gaming in early 2026 and extend our licensing efforts through 2027,” Caulfield shared with iGB.

The establishment of GRAI under the 2024 Gambling Regulation Act signifies a bold move towards a regulated gambling environment in Ireland. Upon licensing completion, GRAI will implement new operator restrictions that include revised advertising hours and promotional limitations to safeguard consumers.

Types of Licences Available under Ireland’s GRAI

The GRAI will offer three main categories of gambling licences: Business-to-Consumer (B2C), Business-to-Business (B2B), and charity licences.

• B2C Licences: Operators can register for various types of licences including remote betting, in-person betting, and remote betting intermediary licences. Additional options encompass remote gaming and lottery licences.
• B2B Licences: These licences pertain to services such as online hosting, risk management, software maintenance, and provisions for odds and trading services directed towards operators.
• Charity Licences: This category supports philanthropic or charitable activities, such as pool betting at events or conducting lotteries.

It is important to note that while the GRAI anticipates the licensing process will evolve, charity licence applications may not open this year. Charitable organizations can still apply through the existing permit system.

According to Caulfield, the newly structured licensing model will enforce a meticulous vetting process built on three foundational pillars: corporate checks, financial evaluations, and technical assessments as part of the regulator’s due diligence.

“We are committed to implementing a robust vetting system for operators, marking our top priority in the immediate future,” Caulfield stated.

This collaborative approach not only ensures a transparent licensing process but also fosters a safer gambling environment for consumers and operators alike, setting a new standard for the industry in Ireland.