The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), the country’s newly formed gambling regulator, is getting ready to accept the first round of licence applications under the provisions of the 2024 Gambling Regulation Act. The first phase will include B2C licences, with other categories to be introduced later this year.
GRAI’s Application Process Begins: Key Information
- The GRAI is taking charge of all licensed gambling operations in the country. Any operator targeting Irish players must obtain a licence from the Irish gambling regulator.
- To help local businesses prepare for the licence application, the GRAI has published a set of guidelines. Applicants must submit a formal notice informing the board about their intention to apply for a GRAI licence.
- Applicants must also undergo a premises assessment where a GRAI representative will visit each location to validate that they meet all regulatory standards.
New Regulatory Authority to Oversee All Gambling Activity
The GRAI was officially established in 2025 to oversee all gambling activity in Ireland. Having recently reviewed licence fee regulations following industry feedback, the organisation is now getting ready to accept the first phase of licence applications. Under the provisions of the GRAI’s legislation, operators providing gambling services to Irish consumers via online casinos or at land-based venues must hold a licence issued by the regulator.
Until the new framework is enforced, gambling operators must follow existing legislation. This includes abiding by the rules of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 and coordinating with the Revenue Commissioners under the Betting Act 1931. Meanwhile, the District Courts and An Garda Síochána will oversee all lottery-related activity. This framework will continue to be in place for overseeing online casinos in Ireland until the transition to the new licensing regime is complete.
To help local businesses prepare for the transition, the GRAI has published a set of guidelines. Applicants must send a formal notice to the GRAI expressing interest in applying for the licence. This notice must be delivered at least 28 days before submitting the full application.
Operators must also gather documentation confirming their financial standings, corporate structure, business infrastructure, and compliance policies. The list includes financial statements, details of key officers and beneficial owners, and anti-money laundering policies.
Once all documents are ready, operators must apply for a GRAI licence online. The regulator charges a small fee based on the operator’s previous turnover or revenue projections. After the application goes through, the regulator will assess the operator’s history before accepting it.
In-person Validation for Land-Based Gambling Venues
Land-based gambling operators will be subjected to a thorough premises assessment where a GRAI representative will visit each location to verify if they meet all regulatory standards. Applicants must submit thorough floor plans, fire and safety documents, and other paperwork related to the site.
After reviewing each application, the GRAI will inform each applicant whether their licence has been approved or rejected. Licence holders are obligated to report any significant changes to the original documentation submitted at the time of application. This includes any change in ownership, leadership, or financial status.
In the first phase of Irish online gambling shifts, the GRAI will issue Business-to-Consumer (B2C) licences for remote and land-based operations. Intermediary licences for remote betting will also be available. Each licence has its unique requirements, including technical details for online operators, customer support policies, terms and conditions, and venue maps for land-based operations.
Alongside national initiatives, in a bid to strengthen regulatory oversight across the iGaming industry, the GRAI recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with globally recognisable iGaming authorities like the Gibraltar Gambling Commission, the UK Gambling Commission, and the Belgian Gaming Commission.