The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) confirmed in a notice dated 30 June 2026 that remote betting and betting intermediary licences issued under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 commenced on Wednesday 1 July 2026. It is the first phase of the new Irish licensing regime to go live. The initial licences cover betting online and by other remote means such as telephone, together with intermediaries facilitating remote betting between parties. In-person betting licences follow later in the year.
What licensed operators must now do
From commencement, GRAI licensees must meet every commenced obligation under the Act. The notice lists age verification to prevent underage gambling, an obligation to pay out winnings, a ban on facilitating credit or accepting credit cards, and a requirement to close accounts on request. Operators are subject to ongoing compliance monitoring, and the GRAI has powers to investigate, enforce compliance, apply sanctions and take action against unlicensed or illegal activity.
The application process checks three things, according to chief executive Anne Marie Caulfield: that operators are fit and proper, that they have the financial capacity to provide gambling activity, and that winnings are funded from lawful means. The GRAI chose to start with remote betting because it is the largest segment of the Irish betting market.
Unlicensed operators
The notice is explicit on enforcement. Caulfield said “it is a criminal offence to operate without a betting licence”, and that the GRAI’s work identifying unlicensed operators has commenced. Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan welcomed the commencement as part of the phased implementation of licences for the sector.
What is not yet licensed
Casino-style gaming is not in this phase. The notice states that applications for further licences, including gaming, lotteries, business-to-business, charitable and philanthropic, will open throughout 2027 and 2028. Until the gaming phase opens, a GRAI licence covers betting, not online casino play. Our page on GRAI-licensed casinos tracks the phasing and will be updated as each phase opens.
Source: GRAI, Commencement of Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland Remote Betting Licences, 30 June 2026.
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