Ireland Gambling License in 2026: The GRAI and the Gambling Regulation Act 2024

Ireland has replaced a licensing system dating back to the 1930s. The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 created the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), a single regulator with licensing, supervision and enforcement powers. In February 2026 the GRAI began licensing betting; gaming and lottery licenses follow in later phases.

This page replaces our earlier Ireland guide, which described the old Revenue-based remote bookmaker licensing. For other routes, see our gambling license services.

Ireland gambling licensing: key facts for 2026

License types under the 2024 Act

The Act provides for business-to-consumer licenses (betting, gaming and lottery, remote and in-person), business-to-business licenses for suppliers, and licenses for charitable and philanthropic purposes. The GRAI is opening them in phases, starting with betting:

• Remote betting — online and phone sportsbooks;
• Betting intermediary — betting exchanges and similar platforms;
• In-person betting — betting shops.

Rules that apply to licensees

• No credit: operators may not accept credit cards or provide credit to customers;
• Inducements: limits on free bets, bonuses and other incentives;
• Advertising: a watershed for broadcast gambling ads between 5:30 a.m. and 9 p.m., plus content and channel restrictions;
• Exclusion: connection to the National Gambling Exclusion Register;
• Social Impact Fund: licensee contributions to fund research, education and treatment;
• Customer protection: age verification, timely payment of winnings and account closure on request.

The application process

1. Map the license types the business needs, B2C and B2B.
2. Prepare the file: ownership and fit-and-proper information, financial standing, technical systems, AML and player-protection policies.
3. Apply to the GRAI and pay the application fee.
4. Vetting and assessment, then grant and ongoing supervision.

Ireland or another jurisdiction?

• United Kingdom — a separate license is required for Great Britain.
• Malta — often the hub license for groups serving several regulated markets.
• Isle of Man — nearby, with low duty and 0% corporate tax for most e-gaming income.

Compare routes on our jurisdictions page.

How Gambling Consulting Expert can help

We map the GRAI license types your business needs, prepare the application and align advertising, payments and player-protection controls with the 2024 Act. Request an Ireland licensing assessment.