Ireland: GRAI begins issuing remote betting licences

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has begun issuing its first licences to remote betting operators, marking a major milestone in the country's new gambling regulatory framework.

The initial round of licences covers online betting operators, while land-based licences are expected to follow later this year. Applications for other licence categories, including gaming, lotteries, B2B and charitable operations, will open between 2027 and 2028.

Under the new regime, licensed operators must meet a range of consumer protection and regulatory requirements. These include age verification checks to prevent underage gambling, obligations to pay out winnings, safeguards such as a ban on offering credit or accepting credit card payments, as well as requirements to close customer accounts on request.

Operators will also be subject to ongoing compliance monitoring. The GRAI has powers to investigate operators, enforce compliance, impose significant sanctions and take action against unlicensed or illegal gambling activity.

For the vast majority of customers using major operators such as Paddy Power, bet365, William Hill and Ladbrokes, the transition has been relatively smooth.

However, some Irish customers have told local media they were asked to submit additional identification documents, while several operators have been required to withdraw loyalty schemes that encourage more frequent gambling.

UK-based operator Betfred has yet to complete the new licensing process and has paused its Irish operations. A notice on the company's website advises customers based in Ireland not to open an account or make a deposit. It remains unclear whether Betfred intends to resume operations in the Irish market.

The GRAI's responsibilities extend beyond licensing. The regulator will oversee a Social Impact Fund to support research and treatment, establish a national self-exclusion and enforce new advertising restrictions.