Ireland’s gambling industry has officially entered a new regulatory phase. The Regulatory Authority of Games of Chance of Ireland (Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland – GRAI) began accepting licensing applications and gained powers to impose fines that could reach €20 million, marking the practical implementation of the Gambling Regulation Act of 2024.
The development comes after the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, signed the order activating central parts of the new legislation. The measure came into force on February 5, 2026 and authorizes GRAI to directly supervise the licensing process for online and in-person betting and gaming operators.
New regulator starts issuing licenses in Ireland
Officially created in March 2025, GRAI now acts fully as the independent body responsible for regulating the betting market in Ireland. According to the legislation, the regulator will be able to issue licenses to new operators “as soon as practicable”.
Licenses currently granted by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners will have limited validity. For online operators, the deadline is July 1, 2026. For in-person operators, the transition must occur by December 1, 2026, when only licenses issued by GRAI will be recognized.
Fines, inspection and combating the illegal market
The new regulatory framework grants GRAI broad supervisory and enforcement powers. The body will be able to investigate operators, analyze consumer complaints and apply administrative sanctions that include fines of up to 10% of annual revenue or €20 million, whichever is greater.
In addition, criminal enforcement powers now apply, allowing the regulator to request court orders to close illegal operators operating in the country without a license.
End of the 1931 Law and new restrictions on the sector
The Gaming Regulation Law of 2024 officially replaces the old Betting Law of 1931, considered obsolete given the reality of iGaming and online betting.
According to Minister Jim O’Callaghan, the new model creates a “simplified and modern” system, aligned with current market practices and with a greater focus on consumer protection, especially children and vulnerable groups.
Among the main measures planned are:
- Prohibition of the use of credit cards for betting;
- Stricter limits on bonuses and promotions;
- Prohibition of advertising gambling on TV and radio between 5:30 am and 9 pm.
Regulatory Roadmap and Operator Portal
Those interested in obtaining a license must publish a public notice of intent at least 28 days before the formal application and submit a detailed business plan. To facilitate the process, GRAI will launch a dedicated Operator Portal from February 9, 2026.
According to the regulator’s Strategy 2025–2027, annual inspection programs should begin in July 2026, while specialized investigation and enforcement units should be created by the third quarter of the same year.
National self-exclusion register and social fund
Another pillar of the new regulation is the creation of a National Gambling Exclusion Register, along the lines of the United Kingdom’s GamStop. Membership will be mandatory for all licensed operators.
The legislation also provides for the creation of a sectoral tax aimed at raising at least €14 million per year for a Social Impact Fund, aimed at treating gambling addiction, public education, research and community actions.
Industry criticism and concerns
Despite the regulatory advancement, part of the sector shows concern. In an interview with Irish IndependentAnthony Kaminskas, owner of AK Bets, called the new system “extremely self-defeating”, warning that overly strict rules could push players towards offshore operators.
Kaminskas cited the example of Belgium, where, according to him, the share of the licensed market would have fallen drastically after the adoption of more severe restrictions. Flutter Entertainment, which owns Paddy Power, also expressed similar fears.
The debate about gambling addiction grows
The debate about gambling addiction has been gaining momentum in Ireland. Data from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) indicates that around one in every 30 adults in the country faces gambling-related problems, a significant increase compared to 2019.
Annual spending on gambling amounts to approximately €5.5 billion, with around 28% associated with problem gamblers. Studies commissioned by GRAI itself also point to a direct relationship between early exposure to gambling, family habits and a greater risk of addiction in adult life.
With open licensing, new safeguards being implemented and enhanced oversight, Ireland’s betting market is undergoing the biggest regulatory transformation in almost a century.
Fonte: Gaming365 – Brasil
