Ireland’s Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRAI) has announced it is reconsidering its proposed licence fee structure and term lengths after widespread industry concerns emerged during a recent public consultation.
Main Highlights of the Story
- Ireland’s gambling regulator is reviewing its proposed licence fee model, with the possibility of shifting from turnover-based to a tiered structure based on revenue.
- Industry stakeholders warned that proposed fees could harm small-scale operators and requested longer licence durations.
- The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) pledged clearer guidance on financial terms and stronger consumer protections, including a national exclusion register.
GRAI to Explore Tiered Fee Model
The review marks a significant pivot in Ireland’s plans to overhaul its gambling regulation framework, with GRAI now exploring a tiered system based on Gross Gambling Yield (GGY), or a hybrid model combining GGY and turnover. The original flat turnover-based model, outlined in the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, was criticised by stakeholders as disproportionate to actual earnings, especially for smaller operators.
More than two dozen submissions were received during a four-week consultation period held in April and May, largely from industry figures including operators of Irish online casinos, consultants, and land-based gambling operators. Many highlighted the unaffordability of the baseline fees, which include a proposed €20,000 for remote licences and €1,200 per physical premises. Operators argued these costs could be particularly burdensome for smaller businesses and requested adjustments based on operational scale.
In response, GRAI confirmed it may revise the licensing model to better align with operator size and structure. It is also considering extending the standard licence term from three years to five to align more closely with international peers. Longer licence durations could also be available to operators with a strong compliance record.
Calls for Clarity on Fees and Terms
Stakeholders also called for more clarity around renewal procedures, fee calculations, and financial terminology, particularly definitions like “turnover.” GRAI acknowledged these concerns and committed to publishing “clear and timely” guidance in advance of licensing rollouts.
Despite suggestions that Ireland benchmark its fees against the UK, GRAI noted that such comparisons are flawed due to structural differences. In the former, the GRAI assumes a broader range of responsibilities concerning online gambling in Ireland, many of which fall under local councils in the latter.
The regulator reaffirmed its intention to issue three types of licences: business-to-consumer (B2C), business-to-business (B2B), and charity. However, charity licence applications will not open until a later phase.
Licence Rollout Timeline
As the rollout progresses, GRAI has confirmed the licensing process is already underway and has begun accepting expressions of interest as of 27 March. It aims to begin accepting applications for both land-based and online operators before the end of 2025. Irish gambling operators can expect further phases, including online casino licensing, to follow in early 2026, extending into 2027.
Alongside licensing reforms, respondents also voiced strong support for enhanced consumer protections. There was particular backing for the National Gambling Exclusion Register (NGER), with calls for mandatory sign-up options, lifetime self-exclusion, and cross-platform interoperability.
GRAI said it will take these insights into account as it develops final policies. It stressed the value of continued industry engagement in laying a stable foundation for the future of regulated gambling in Ireland.
For players from Ireland, these regulatory developments may also influence the availability and transparency of online casino bonuses for Irish players, a key area of interest in the competitive online gambling space.