Licensing in
Ireland
Gaming Gateway offers dedicated guidance with Ireland's new regulatory regime and assistance with establishing an iGaming operation in Ireland.
.png)
Ireland
Ireland is currently reforming its regulation and aims to establish a new licensing framework by 2026 under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 set by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI).
The new regulatory framework has placed existing gambling licences under a ‘transition phase’, and will be required to re-apply for new licences in 2026.
The framework has been designed to place a strong emphasis on safe gambling, conduct and harm prevention. It aims to offer 3 tiers which will cover B2C and B2B activities, and a special criterion for charity and philanthropic licences.
Operators seeking to licence in Ireland should prepare for applications starting late 2025, monitor fee and licence term regulations, and ensure readiness for up-coming player protection and advertising restrictions.
Key advantages
Unified regime
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is the new national regulator and is responsible for overseeing both land-based and online gambling. The new licensing regime in Ireland covers all gaming verticals, including B2C, B2C and fundraising gambling.
Robust regulation
Ireland is considered a Tier 1 jurisdiction and the new licensing regime is set to enforce high regulatory standards. This includes strong protections for players, robust compliance procedures, responsible gambling practices, and technical requirements. All of the measures are to enhance player trust and market integrity.
High credibility
As a Tier 1 jurisdiction, Ireland is well-regarded in the global iGaming sector as credible jurisdiction with robust regulatory standards. The jurisdiction has been home to industry giants for decades and the licence reputation is trusted by Tier 1 banks, PSPs and B2B partners.
Strong player protection
The new regulatory regime will offer strong player protection, including robust AML procedures and dispute resolution, to enhance player confidence and trust. There will also be player safeguards in place and advertising restrictions in place and emphasis on social impact funding.
Ireland licences
The B2C licence is suitable for operators providing gambling services directly to players for both remote gambling and land-based gambling. The licence covers online casino, lotteries and betting.
The B2B licence is suitable for operators developing or providing software or other related gambling services to other licenced operators, either in Ireland or another jurisdiction.
This licence has been specifically designed for fundraising gambling and authorises the carrying out of games and lotteries to fundraise for charities.
Licence requirements
Ireland is currently undergoing a regulatory reform therefore not all of the requirements will be determined yet. However an operator will be required to meet several legal, technical and compliance requirements as part of the licensing process. This involves incorporating a company with a clear ownership structure, submitting a detailed business plan, implementing and maintaining robust AML/KYC policies, in accordance with the regulation set by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland. The company must also demonstrate financial stability and meet the technical and operational standards.
Gaming Gateway assists clients in meeting all the licence requirements and provides dedicated support throughout the entire process.
Licence Timeframe
Ireland is currently in the process of implementing a new licensing framework and has advised operators that the application window is set to open late 2025.
Applicants should plan for at least 3-6 months from submission to licence approval, and allocate additional time to prepare to meet the necessary legal, technical and compliance standards in the licensing process.
Prior to the licensing process, we will work closely with you to set up your iGaming entity and prepare your licence application. This generally depends on how quickly you can provide us with the information and documentation required for the licence requirements.
How to obtain the Licence
.png)
1. Book a free consultation
Speak with our team to discuss your business model and licence you would like to apply for. We can answer any of your questions and outline the process in further detail.
2. Receive a bespoke fee proposal
After the call, we will share with you a bespoke fee proposal which outlines your requirements, our services and the costs involved.
3. Licence application
Once you accept the fee proposal, we begin the licence application process straight away. We also request clients to complete our due-dilligence process which is utilised in the licence application.
4. Company set-up
Once you have passed our due-dilligence, we establish your company and open your corporate bank account.
5. Apply for licence
Once we have completed your licence application, including creating a comprehensive business plan, we assist with applying for the licence.
6. Go live
Once your licence application has been approved, we assist you with operational aspects, and provide support with on-going compliance and reporting.
Ireland FAQs
Fees vary by licence type and scale, however exact figures are yet to be published. The licence fees and duties will be set by GRAI, likely including licence application and renewal fees. The gambling duty in Ireland is 2% on turnover.
The GRAI licence will cover all verticals
Tier 1 credible licence
Strong player protection
Licenced is Government issued and enforced under national law
Recognised across the EU and international markets
Ireland has a gambling market worth €1.3 billion+ annually, with high per capita spend.
The licence enables you to legally market and operate in Ireland, serving both local and global players.
Ireland is ideal for established operators, expanding into regulated EU markets, multi-national brands seeking Tier 1 alignment, Irish focused platforms targeting the local market, and B2B platform providers selling into the Irish market. More details on the types of business models below:
Tier 1 casinos: GRAI licence builds trust with players, PSPs and regulators
Sports betting: local betting licences will launch at the end of 2025 with regulated structure in place
Poker networks: P2P games will fall under remote licensing in 2026
Lotteries: Non-national lottery operations
Affiliate-led white label brands: must operate under licensed host or obtain own B2C authorisation
Fantasy sports: likely to be covered under remote gambling if real money is involved
Late 2025 for B2C betting and land-based gambling licences open and licensing begins in early 2026 for remote gaming (casino, lottery, poker). GRAI is implementing a phased rollout to allow industry adjustment.
The operator must comply with the EU AML Directives, which includes customer identity verification (ID and address), source of funds for high-risk users, suspicious transaction reporting, and ongoing player monitoring.
Yes, all games (RNG-based or P2P) must be audited and certified for fairness by an approved testing lab.
Company incorporation certificate
Shareholder and UBO disclosures
Director CVs and criminal background checks
AML/KYC and RG policies
Game provider agreements and RNG reports
Hosting and tech infrastructure documentation
Financial forecasts and business plan
Your gateway into the game
Our team of professionals hold decades of experience in the iGaming sector. We've assisted some of the largest global brands with their licensing and corporate service needs.
We are experts in regulation, compliance, and corporate governance. Our support is designed to simplify and ease regulatory pressures, allowing you to focus on driving business growth.
As your global iGaming partner, we are committed to exceeding your expectations and ensuring your long-term success.
Ready to licence?
If you have a licence already in mind, complete the form below and our team will be in touch.
If you'd like expert advice on choosing the right licence for your business model, please complete the form or contact our team directly.
