The European Commission approved two draft legislations put forward by Ireland regarding the country’s new remote gambling regulations. The approval followed the cooldown period necessary under EU law. The draft legislation outlines the licensing terms for B2C consumers along with the associated fee structure.
European Commission Approves Irish Gambling Licensing Terms: Key Insights
- The Gambling (Licensing of Gambling Activities) Regulations 2025 specifies a three-year validity for Irish gambling licences. The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) will allow an onboarding window for new and existing operators before the new cycle begins.
- The GRAI specifies that performing certain software checks will not be possible initially. However, the gambling watchdog reserves the right to conduct subsequent checks once the tools and databases are in place.
- The Gambling (Licence Application Fees) Regulations 2025 regulates the fee structure of B2C licences for land-based and remote operations. The amount is calculated on a fixed basis and may vary by licence type and revenue brackets.
Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland Cleared to Implement New Regulations
Ireland recently received all the necessary clearances from the European Commission on the two draft laws regarding gambling licensing, under the 2024 Gambling Regulation Act. The new legislation highlights two key regulations, namely the duration of B2C licences and the corresponding fees.
Ireland has sought and obtained European Commission approval for its new gambling regulations to ensure compliance with EU law, under which online gambling in Ireland falls within the scope of the internal market. The Commission’s review confirms that Ireland’s licensing framework, including fees and market access provisions, is proportionate, non-discriminatory, and does not constitute unlawful state aid.
The first regulation, titled Gambling (Licensing of Gambling Activities) Regulations 2025, sets the validity of B2C gambling licences to three years. The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) explained that this will be implemented in a phased approach, allowing existing and new licensees to become familiar with the new regulations before the new cycle commences.
The second regulation, titled Gambling (Licence Application Fees) Regulations 2025, defines the remuneration for applying for a GRAI licence. The reformed fee structure will apply to both land-based and online casinos in Ireland. The fees will be structured according to revenue brackets and the type of licence opted for.
These requirements are in addition to the provisions already mentioned in Article 9 of Ireland’s Gambling Regulation Act 2024. The GRAI has included provisions for performing standard software checks and real-time integration with the national self-exclusion register at a later date, considering that verification might not be possible initially.
Ireland Prepares to Embrace a New Dawn of Gambling Regulations
The GRAI has confirmed that the licensing fee will be calculated based on the operator’s declared turnover from the previous year. For new applicants, the amount will be calculated as the median of estimated revenue in the first 12 months. The licensing fee will also be distinct for gambling and sports betting operators, as well as for remote and land-based operators.
This updated gambling fee structure is part of the Irish government’s broader efforts to regulate the country’s flourishing gambling sector. Lawmakers have devised several regulations to protect consumer interests and stimulate sustainable growth. One of the key measures is the Social Impact Fund, which will support community services, including the prevention of gambling harm.
The GRAI has also signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with the Gibraltar Gambling Commission and other established gambling regulators, such as the UK Gambling Commission and the Belgian Gaming Commission. This will empower the GRAI to create a framework for cross-border cooperation for discharging its duties more effectively.
The European Commission’s approval of Ireland’s updated gambling regulations signals a shift in power dynamics within the EU. As the Irish online gambling market opens up to global players, it will gradually establish the GRAI as a responsible gambling regulator. The coming days will not only test the GRAI’s prowess for enforcing the new regulations, but also open new frontiers in the market.