Ireland’s gambling landscape is poised for a major shift as the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) moves forward with its licensing process. Following the implementation of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, GRAI has started preparing to open the licensing portal by the end of 2025. The regulator is asking potential licensees to register their interest to help gauge the demand and scope for various gambling licenses across Ireland.
The authority will oversee the issuance of licenses for all gambling activities in Ireland, excluding the national lottery. GRAI CEO Anne-Marie Caulfield confirmed that the authority plans to prioritize the licensing process, setting the stage for betting license applications – both online and land-based – by year-end, with online gaming applications scheduled for 2026.
Operators and suppliers can express their interest in obtaining a license by participating in the GRAI survey. 
A Three-Pillar Licensing Framework
Under the new regulatory structure, GRAI will issue three primary types of licenses: B2C, B2B, and charity licenses. These licenses will cater to different segments of the gambling industry, offering flexibility for operators across various markets.
- B2C licenses will cover remote and in-person betting, as well as remote gaming and lotteries.
- B2B licenses will be available for operators offering services like online hosting, odds management, and gaming machines.
- Charity licenses will be issued for charitable gambling activities such as pool betting at events or lotteries.
However, charity licenses are unlikely to be available this year, as GRAI has stated that charities can still apply under the current permit system.
A Rigorous Due Diligence Process for Applicants
The GRAI’s licensing process will be thorough, with a focus on corporate, financial, and technical checks as part of its due diligence. Anne-Marie Caulfield emphasized the importance of a strong vetting system for operators. She noted, “There’ll be a fairly thorough vetting system for [operators], and that will be our priority in the first instance.”
As the licensing framework rolls out, GRAI aims to ensure that Ireland’s gambling market remains secure and well-regulated, with a clear and structured approach that benefits both operators and consumers. The move will also introduce new restrictions on advertising and promotions, further shaping Ireland’s evolving gambling ecosystem.
Once the licensing system is fully operational, GRAI plans to continue updating the industry, with several stages of licensing to follow over the coming years. As Caulfield mentioned, “We anticipate that we’ll be able to open for betting license 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.”
With this steady, methodical rollout, Ireland is poised to become a key player in the global gambling market, ensuring a fair and regulated environment for both operators and consumers. The industry will be closely watching as GRAI’s first wave of licenses sets the tone for the future of gambling in Ireland.
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