Novibet becomes first operator to receive licence from Ireland regulator

Novibet has become the first operator to be granted a licence from the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), having originally started to conduct business across the country during 2021. 

Ireland’s Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan signed an order allowing GRAI to begin issuing betting licences in February. 

GRAI began issuing its first licences to remote betting operators on 6 July, marking a major milestone in the country's new gambling regulatory framework.

“Novibet is proud to be the first operator to receive a licence from Ireland's newly established Gambling Regulatory Authority, successfully completing the transition to the country's new regulatory framework,” Novibet said as part of a social media post. 

“As regulatory landscapes continue to evolve worldwide, we remain committed to investing in robust compliance frameworks, responsible operations and sustainable growth, while creating long-term value for our customers, partners and the markets in which we operate.”

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.

As a result of the approval, Novibet would have met a range of consumer protection and regulatory requirements, such as age verification checks, obligations to pay out winnings, a ban on accepting credit card payments and allowing for requests to close customer accounts. 

Operators will also be subject to ongoing compliance monitoring, as GRAI maintains the power to investigate operators, enforce compliance, impose significant sanctions and take action against unlicensed or illegal gambling activity.

The regulator will oversee a Social Impact Fund to support research and treatment, establish a national self-exclusion and enforce new advertising restrictions.