The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) refuted rumours suggesting a delay in the proposed timeline for issuing new licences until mid-2026. While unconfirmed reports indicate an imminent delay, GRAI sources have reaffirmed that they are working toward accepting new licensing applications by the end of 2025.
Highlights of the Story
- An article published by The Journal this week claims that the regulatory framework will only be enforced in mid-2026.
- GRAI disputed the claim, confirming new licence applications will roll out in phases starting from the end of 2025.
- Once the regulation is enforced, the GRAI will be in charge of licensing, compliance, enforcement, and consumer awareness.
Misinterpreted Claims Create Confusion
The GRAI is a nascent regulator, having opened its doors in March 2025. As a result, it’s yet to establish control and authority in the Irish market. The immediate task of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is to revise Ireland’s gambling statutes and future-proof the law to keep up with the evolving gambling industry.
The misunderstandings began with Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan’s response in the parliament to Labour TD Mark Wall, suggesting that the new licensing rules would only apply starting mid-2026. However, the GRAI disputed the claim of a lengthy delay, reaffirming that licence applications would begin by the end of 2025.
The official statement read:
The GRAI is preparing to accept new licence applications in late 2025. We are steadily progressing toward this goal and plan to initiate a phased approach to the licensing process.
As outlined in the Gambling Regulation Act, GRAI’s regulations will apply to all licence holders. Therefore, our priority is to commence licence applications as soon as possible and transition from the existing licensing regime to the new framework.
The GRAI was formally consecrated in March 2025, following the enactment of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. The seven-member authority is chaired by senior civil servant Paul Quinn, who was sworn in by Justice Minister O’Callaghan.
Regulator to Take Charge Soon
The apparent discrepancy in the projected timeline arose from the differing interpretations of the beginning of the licensing application process. While Justice Minister O’Callaghan was referring to the full-scale implementation of the licence in his parliamentary response, the GRAI clarified that it will begin accepting applications from new licencees by the end of 2025 in a phased manner.
This approach could mean that operators from specific iGaming categories, such as online betting and retail bookmakers, may be eligible to apply for a gaming licence before others. A phased licensing model pertaining to online gambling activities in Ireland will allow the regulator to gradually introduce oversight mechanisms and compliance requirements over time, without overwhelming the regulatory infrastructure.
The introduction of the GRAI is believed to be the first of many steps to overhaul Ireland’s ageing gambling industry, which is currently governed by outdated laws. Once the transition is complete, the GRAI will oversee licensing, enforcement, compliance, and awareness across all gambling verticals, including Irish online casinos and land-based operators.