Ireland’s New Gambling Regime Begins as Remote Operators Move Under GRAI
Expertise: US Gaming, European Gaming Industry, iGaming
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:
DUBLIN: Ireland’s new gambling regulator will bring remote betting operators under its licensing regime from July 1.
The change puts online operators under direct Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland oversight and introduces clearer obligations around player accounts, winnings and payment methods.
The shift follows the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, which was signed into law in October 2024 and created the GRAI as Ireland’s dedicated gambling regulator. A public register of licensed operators is expected to be published when the new remote betting regime begins.
Remote Operators Face New License Rules
Remote gambling operators are moving from the previous Revenue licensing structure into the GRAI framework. Betfred has already told customers in Ireland that it will take a temporary pause at the end of June while it transfers to the new system.
Some operators that have applied for a license may not appear immediately on the register if the regulator still has outstanding questions. The GRAI has said applicants must satisfy requirements covering suitability, financial capacity and the lawful funding of winnings before approval.
The regulator opened applications for remote betting licenses earlier this year. The move followed a February commencement order that allowed the authority to begin accepting and processing betting license applications under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024.
The July 1 deadline is important because existing Revenue licenses for remote operators expire at the end of June. Operators with unresolved applications risk disruption if they are not approved in time to continue serving customers in Ireland.
New Consumer Rules Take Effect
The new regime includes a series of consumer protection rules for licensed remote operators. A licensee cannot unreasonably withhold a customer’s winnings, unless there is a reason, such as a suspected suspicious gambling pattern.
Operators must also close a remote gambling account when an account holder requests it in writing. Accounts must also be closed after 13 months of inactivity.
Customers will no longer be allowed to use credit cards, including electronic or digital payments funded by credit cards, to pay for gambling activity with a licensed operator. Remote operators must also verify the age and identity of customers opening online gambling accounts.
Players must be given the ability to set spending limits, either for individual gambling activity or across all gambling activity with a licensed operator. Operators also have to provide terms and conditions when customers first access remote gambling services and again whenever those terms change.
The new law also gives consumers and licensed operators a route to complain to the GRAI if they believe a legal obligation has been breached. Licensed operators can also report unlicensed remote betting operators or suspected breaches of the legislation.
Regulation
Bally’s Offers Airport Slot Lounges as Chicago Video Gambling Fight Escalates
Jun 25, 2026
Advertising and Inducement Rules Still Await Start Date
Not every major reform in the 2024 act begins at the same time. The daytime gambling advertising watershed between 5:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. has not yet commenced, and the same applies to rules curbing inducements offered by bookmakers.
The advertising restrictions have been watched closely by the racing sector, where concerns were raised that a daytime ban could affect Irish racing coverage. The timing for those advertising rules remains a matter for Ireland’s Department of Justice.
The GRAI has been building its operational structure before the remote licensing shift. That included signing a second memorandum of understanding as part of its wider effort to shape how the new regulator will work with other bodies.
The July 1 change gives Ireland a clearer regulatory framework for online betting after years of reform debate. The next test will be how many operators appear on the first remote license register and whether any customers face service interruptions as firms complete the transition.
RELATED TOPICS: Regulation
Latest News
Regulation
Bally’s Offers Airport Slot Lounges as Chicago Video Gambling Fight Escalates
Jun 25, 2026
Casinos & Games
