Ireland to Begin Licensing Gambling This Year

New Regulator and Licensing Plans

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) was officially launched on March 5, 2024. Its core mission is to bring order and transparency to the gambling industry by introducing mandatory licensing for almost all forms of gambling. The only exception will remain the national lottery.

The system is built around three main categories of licenses:

• B2C licenses for operators,

• B2B licenses for suppliers,

• Charity licenses for nonprofit organizations.

This structure is meant to cover the full scope of Ireland’s gambling market and create a unified framework for regulation.

Timeline for Implementation

The rollout of licenses will happen gradually, giving both regulators and operators time to adapt. Sports betting licenses— covering both online platforms and land-based bookmakers — are expected to be issued by the end of 2025. Casino licenses will follow in early 2026, while by 2027 the market is expected to be fully regulated under a single legal system.

In preparation, GRAI has already launched an online survey on its official website. The goal is to assess demand for different types of licenses and gather feedback from potential applicants.

Restrictions on Operators

One of the most debated aspects of the new law is the set of restrictions placed on operators. To limit aggressive marketing and protect players, the following will be banned:

• VIP services,

• free spins and no-deposit bonuses,

• social media promotions,

• direct advertising.

While these measures are intended to strengthen consumer protection, they may also reduce the competitiveness of regulated platforms. Similar rules in other markets have often led to the unintended consequence of players shifting toward offshore operators, who are not bound by such limitations.

Impact on Irish Players

For Irish gamblers, the reform brings both positive changes and potential drawbacks. On the positive side, a fully regulated market should mean:

• fairer gameplay and stricter oversight,

• improved safeguards against fraud,

• more reliable payment systems and withdrawals.

However, the downsides are also clear. The absence of bonuses, loyalty schemes, and promotional offers may make regulated platforms less appealing. Furthermore, the advertising ban could make it harder for players to discover new licensed operators. As a result, many may be tempted to try offshore casinos, which often lack the same safety nets. This creates risks such as weaker responsible gaming tools, slower payments, or unfair terms.

Conclusion

Ireland’s new gambling legislation marks a turning point for the industry. It promises a safer and more transparent market by introducing clear rules, strict licensing, and strong protections for players. Yet the heavy restrictions on promotions and advertising could undermine these goals if too many players choose offshore sites instead. The real test will be whether the regulator can strike a balance between safety and market attractiveness as the framework is rolled out over the next three years.