Ireland's Gambling Regulatory Authority has warned that funding constraints are delaying parts of its regulatory programme, including the licensing of remote gaming and enforcement against overseas black-market operators.
The newly established authority requested €26m for 2026 but received €13.35m, prompting it to defer or reduce the scope of several planned objectives. The allocation was nevertheless 92% higher than the previous year's budget.
Among the affected areas is remote gaming, covering products including online slots and casino games. Licensing work has been pushed back, with systems allowing operators to register now expected to become available in early 2027.
The regulator also warned that its compliance and enforcement capacity would be limited, particularly for monitoring unlicensed operators based outside Ireland. It identified potential implications for gambling harm and anti-money laundering efforts.
The authority has additionally raised concerns that gaps in regulation could make it more difficult for Ireland to meet standards established by the Financial Action Task Force.
Despite the constraints, enforcement activity has begun. Dozens of operators have blocked access to users in Ireland following regulatory intervention, including two major prediction markets and an international online gambling platform.
The authority has reallocated staff and resources to support enforcement, while an additional €2.8m provided by the Department of Justice in August has increased its available funding.
It is currently prioritising areas where its existing resources can have the greatest effect but said additional funding would expand its ability to identify unlicensed operators.
The regulator ultimately aims to become self-financing within three years. It has previously sought permission to retain application fees paid by betting companies as part of efforts to support its operations.
The Department of Justice said it remained committed to supporting the authority, while noting that the regulator is responsible for managing its own operations and can make further requests for resources.
Ireland is preparing tighter AML requirements for gambling businesses under its new national financial crime strategy
