Ireland’s new gambling licensing regime now open for applications

Summary

Ireland’s Gambling Regulation Act 2024 has moved into force: Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan signed commencement orders enabling the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) to start issuing licences and using criminal enforcement powers from today.

The new framework introduces three licence types — B2C, B2B and charitable/philanthropic licences — and gives the regulator broad consumer-protection duties and heavy sanctioning powers, including fines of up to €20 million or 10% of annual turnover (whichever is higher). Operators will face on-site inspections as part of the application process, fit-and-proper checks for account officers, and new rules such as a ban on gambling with credit cards and mandatory online spending limits.

The regulator has also highlighted research into problem gambling and noted links between gambling as a child and adult gambling harms. In-person betting firms must register this year while charitable licensing is expected to roll in around 2027–28.

Key Points

The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 is now being commenced; the GRAI can issue licences and enforce the law.
Three licence types: B2C (in-person and remote betting, intermediaries), B2B (supply of products/services) and charitable/philanthropic gambling.
On-site “boots-on-the-ground” inspections and local authority consultations are part of the licensing checks.
New consumer-protection obligations include a ban on credit-card gambling, spending limits for online customers, strict under-18 prohibitions, and rules on account closures and refunds.
Severe penalties: fines up to €20 million or 10% of turnover; unlicensed operators can be ordered to cease trading.
Applicants and designated account officers will undergo fit-and-proper checks; account officers may be personally liable for offences.
Phased implementation: in-person betting firms must register this year; charitable licence rules expected in 2027–28.
Research commissioned by the regulator flags problem-gambling prevalence and links between childhood gambling exposure and adult harm.

Author style

Punchy — this is a major regulatory reset for Ireland’s gambling industry. Operators, compliance teams and advisers need to read the detail rather than skim the headlines: the new rules reshape licensing, enforcement and liability.

Why should I read this?

Heads up — if you work in betting, compliance, payments or local venues, this changes the rulebook. New licence types, on-site checks and heavy fines mean you’ll want to know timing, obligations and who in your business will be held personally responsible. If you’re monitoring regulatory trends, Ireland just joined the ranks of jurisdictions tightening consumer protection and enforcement.