Ireland’s Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRAI) has initiated the first step toward implementing its new licensing system, calling on operators and suppliers to register their interest ahead of the anticipated launch of the licensing portal later this year.
The move, announced on March 27, is one of the many key measures to bring gambling activities under a new regulated framework following the enactment of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. The new law empowers GRAI to oversee and issue licenses for all gambling activities in the country, excluding the national lottery.
As part of the early-stage process, the authority is encouraging prospective licensees to complete a survey to express interest in the type of license they plan to apply for. The data gathered will help GRAI gauge market size, prepare for the number and variety of applications, and establish a communication channel for updates related to the rollout.
Anne-Marie Caulfield, Chief Executive of GRAI, told iGB earlier this month: “We anticipate that we’ll be able to open for betting licence [applications] both online and on-site [land-based] before the end of the year. And then we’re moving on to online gaming early in 2026 and then working our way through the other phases of licensing out to 2027.”
Under the new regime, GRAI will issue three main categories of licenses: B2C (business-to-consumer), B2B (business-to-business), and charitable/philanthropic licences. B2C applicants can apply for remote betting, in-person betting, or remote betting intermediary licenses. Separate licenses will also be available for remote gaming and lottery operations.
B2B licenses are intended for entities supplying technical services or physical gaming equipment, including gaming machines and software. A separate gambling service license will cover providers offering support functions such as hosting services, risk management, odds provision, and maintenance.
Charity licenses will also be available for philanthropic activities such as pool betting at an event or a lottery. However, GRAI noted that it is unlikely to accept applications for charity licenses in 2025. Organizations may continue to operate under the current permit system until the new framework is in place.
The licensing system will require applicants to undergo a rigorous three-stage vetting process involving corporate, financial, and technical checks. “There’ll be a fairly thorough vetting system for [operators] and that will be our priority in the first instance,” Caulfield said.
Once the licensing framework is operational, GRAI will begin enforcing a series of new regulatory measures. These include advertising restrictions such as watershed periods and tighter rules around promotions aimed at protecting consumers.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/03/31/100008-ireland-regulator-invites-gambling-operators-to-register-ahead-of-licensing-rollout
