Ireland Signals a New Gambling Era as Regulator Opens Pre-Licensing Phase

Ireland is stepping into a new chapter for gambling oversight, with the regulator officially opening the doors—kind of. While the full licensing system isn’t live yet, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is calling on gambling businesses to raise their hands early.

The move is seen as a significant milestone under the new Gambling Regulation Act 2024. And while it’s not exactly a free-for-all yet, it’s a clear sign that the country is gearing up to rein in what’s been a loosely monitored sector.

A Survey That Actually Matters

GRAI’s March 27 announcement wasn’t just bureaucratic fluff. It marked the first tangible step toward what could be one of the biggest shifts in Ireland’s gambling landscape in decades.

The authority is asking prospective operators and suppliers—both local and international—to fill out a pre-registration survey. That might sound minor, but it’s not. It’s the groundwork that’ll shape how the licensing rollout unfolds later this year.

The goal? Gather data. Lots of it.

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The survey asks operators to state what kind of license they’re interested in, giving GRAI a clearer picture of demand, diversity, and scope of the upcoming applications. In turn, that helps the authority prepare systems, people, and processes.

• Applicants are encouraged to outline interest in categories like betting, online gaming, or retail operations.

Anne-Marie Caulfield, GRAI’s chief executive, said earlier this month that they’re on track to open betting license applications—both online and land-based—by the end of the year. From there, it’s a staggered rollout: online gaming in early 2026, and more license types extending through 2027.

The Act That Changed the Rules

Let’s rewind a little. The push to regulate gambling in Ireland isn’t exactly new, but progress has been glacial—until now.

The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 was passed with the aim of creating a comprehensive legal structure. Before this, oversight was fragmented across several agencies, leaving glaring loopholes—especially in the online sphere.

In short: the Wild West days are winding down.

Now GRAI has the legal power to issue licenses, enforce rules, and even revoke access to the market if operators don’t toe the line. The only exception? The national lottery, which still operates under its own system.

This legal overhaul is part of a broader government strategy to put consumer safety front and center. Ads targeting minors, exploitative tactics, and unregulated online platforms are all in the crosshairs.

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And the timing isn’t random. Ireland, like much of Europe, has seen gambling revenues surge post-pandemic—particularly in digital markets. That growth has brought scrutiny.

Why Operators Should Care Now

Sure, the actual licenses won’t be handed out tomorrow. But for anyone hoping to do business in Ireland’s gambling sector, this is the time to act. Delaying interest could mean losing competitive edge—or worse, not being ready when the doors open.

By registering early, operators get plugged into ongoing communications from GRAI. That means access to updates, clarifications, and early insights into what the authority is prioritizing.

And here’s where it gets real.

Failing to pre-register doesn’t block you from applying later. But it does leave you a few steps behind those who are already on GRAI’s radar.

In a landscape where timing is everything, being a latecomer isn’t ideal.

What’s Next in the Timeline?

Things are moving in phases. And Caulfield’s comments to iGB give us the clearest breakdown yet of how the licensing rollout is structured:

Each phase is expected to come with its own set of criteria, technical standards, and enforcement protocols. So, yeah, operators will need to stay agile.

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What’s not fully clear yet is how strict the enforcement will be for unlicensed operators once the system is live. But based on regulatory models elsewhere, it’s safe to say the days of looking the other way are over.

The Big Picture: A More Controlled Market

From a business perspective, Ireland’s new licensing approach could mean more stability. Operators who play by the rules will benefit from a level playing field. And consumers? They get more protection from shady practices that have flown under the radar for too long.

Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing.

Smaller players may find the new regulations resource-intensive. There are concerns about compliance costs, paperwork overload, and the learning curve involved.

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Still, the benefits are hard to ignore. The legal clarity alone gives companies better footing for long-term planning.

And for GRAI, this early registration step is about laying the foundation right. Understanding the market before flipping the switch on licensing is a smart, data-led move.

That said, the real test will be execution.