The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has launched its first public consultation to secure feedback on the scope and remit of gambling licences as proposed by the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 (GRA).
The consultation will run from 7 April to 5 May, as the GRAI would like to hear the views of stakeholders, including operators and the public, on the proposed regulations concerning licensing, which will be commenced on a phased basis.
Led by Chairman Paul Quinn and CEO Anne-Marie Caulfield, the GRAI took charge of its regulatory duties on 5 March, becoming the principal authority on gambling in the Republic of Ireland.
The Gambling Regulation Act aims to establish a new licensing and compliance framework by 2026. The application process has required the GRAI to place existing gambling licences under a ‘transition phase’, as businesses will be required to re-apply for new licences to be activated in 2026.
The GRAI seeks to establish three tiers of licences for B2C businesses (retail and online), B2B technology suppliers, and a special criterion for charity and philanthropic licences.
Compliance duties will focus on safer gambling, conduct, and harm prevention, with the GRAI establishing a ‘Social Impact Fund’ financed by mandatory contributions from B2C and B2B gambling licences.
The consultation aims to gather diverse opinions on the proposed regulations concerning gambling licences, including the application fee for betting and gaming licences (both in person and remote), the duration for which a gambling licence remains valid, and any additional conditions applicable to gambling licences.
Stakeholders, operators, and the public are encouraged to share their views by visiting the Live Consultation page for more information and submission guidelines.
The update noted that “the licence application process will take several months.” The GRAI notified stakeholders that the “plan is to first open for Business to Consumer betting licence applications in December 2025 (both in person and remote). This will be followed by opening for gaming licence applications (remote only) towards the end of the first quarter of 2026. However, the order and timing of commencement may be subject to change.”
The development of Ireland’s new gambling regime is being supported by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), which last week entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the GRAI.
The UK and Ireland will share many of the same operators and gambling practices. The agreement will enhance the ability to share information and apply respective regulatory responsibilities effectively. GRAI CEO Anne-Marie Caulfield welcomed the cooperation of the UKGC as Ireland forms its first gambling frameworks for advertising, licence conditions, and safer gambling protections.
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