Ireland’s gambling regulator calls all companies to register interest for new licence process

Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland

The Irish regulator has advised that all betting and gaming companies will be obliged to register their interest to acquire a gambling licence as part of a new, wide-ranging framework. 

As the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) continues to carry out its remit, the body has made soundings on social media advising that it wants the upcoming process to be an effective and seamless one.

Want to play casino games or bet on sports? Check out the best online casino in the UK and best UK bookmakers today!

All parties involved in the sector, from bookmakers to tech firms, are requested to make contact.

A statement posted to LinkedIn read: “To assist in our preparations for the rollout of the new licensing regime and ensuring a scalable, efficient and effective rollout out we are requesting all interested parties to register their interest for a licence in the Irish market.”

With the GRAI overseeing a new framework, backed by updated legislation, all companies involved with providing betting, gaming, or lottery services in Ireland will need to apply for a licence.

This is another outcome of the Gambling Act 2024 and the two-year legislative process that created it.

The previous legislation was almost a century old and not fit for the current market, with politicians and industry wanting to shift with the times, especially in the contemporary digital-led market.

As part of the updated approach and to acknowledge the diversification of the market, the GRAI will issue three types of licences.

There will be a B2C format for operators and lotteries, a B2B version for tech entities and suppliers, with a charitable type licence for those working to combat gambling harm and related services.

Before the GRAI takes on its full workload in 2026, Ireland’s Revenue Commission will watch over the transition process from the old licence system to the new one. 

The regulator’s statement continued: “Upon commencement of the relevant sections of the act, if your business is providing betting, gaming or lottery services to customers or organisations based in Ireland, you will need a licence to operate.”

Last week, GRAI chief Anne Marie Caulfield said an industry panel would be set up to ensure its voice is heard and considered on the future journey to regulate the gambling sector. 

Caulfied wants a consultative panel of industry insiders to ensure two-way communication to set up and adhere to standards, as well as to convey the perspective of key industry players. 

She has said that much of the new framework will be delivered via public and industry consultation, and within that, there will be a role for the panel. 

The CEO has already met with a number of the major gambling operators as well as some smaller companies, while further perspectives will be sought, including a ‘lived experience panel’ to provide counsel on behalf of those who have suffered gambling harm.