Ireland’s iGaming Regulatory Overhaul: What’s Changed and What Comes Next

Ireland has taken a major step forward in modernising its gambling and iGaming regulatory framework, with the country’s new regulator now officially open for business.

This week, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) began accepting and processing iGaming licence applications, marking a pivotal moment in Ireland’s long-awaited regulatory overhaul.

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From fragmented oversight to a single regulator

For years, Ireland’s gambling laws lagged behind the realities of a rapidly evolving digital gambling market. Oversight was fragmented, outdated legislation remained in force, and online gambling operated without a dedicated, modern licensing regime.

That began to change with the passage of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, approved in October 2024. The Act laid the legislative foundations for a comprehensive new framework governing gambling activities in Ireland, bringing the country closer in line with other established European regulatory models.

In March 2026, the Act formally established the GRAI as Ireland’s independent gambling regulator. This week’s move to begin accepting licence applications is the first major operational milestone since its creation.

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What the new licensing framework looks like

Under the new regime, operators can apply for three distinct licence types, covering:

• B2C gambling activities, including online betting and gaming offered directly to consumers

• B2B gambling services, such as platform providers, software suppliers and other supporting services

• Charitable and philanthropic gambling, providing a clearer, regulated pathway for not-for-profit activity

This structure is designed to bring clarity to the market, ensuring that all participants, from operators and suppliers to charitable organisations, are regulated under a consistent, transparent system.

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Why this matters for the iGaming sector

The launch of licensing under the GRAI represents a significant shift for Ireland’s iGaming ecosystem. For operators, it introduces long-term regulatory certainty in a market that has historically lacked formal oversight. For consumers, it signals stronger protections, clearer standards and improved enforcement.

More broadly, it positions Ireland as a jurisdiction serious about responsible gambling, compliance, and modern regulation, an important signal for international operators assessing market entry or continued presence.

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What we can expect next

While the opening of licence applications is a major milestone, it is only the beginning. Over the coming months, the industry can expect:

• Further regulatory guidance from the GRAI on compliance, advertising, player protection and operational standards

• Active enforcement as the regulator begins supervising licensed entities and addressing unlicensed activity

• Greater scrutiny of marketing and consumer safeguards, reflecting wider European regulatory trends

As the framework beds in, Ireland’s iGaming market is set to transition from a lightly regulated environment to a fully structured, modern regime, one that balances commercial opportunity with consumer protection.

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A turning point for Ireland

Ireland’s regulatory overhaul has been years in the making. With the GRAI now accepting licence applications, the country has reached a defining moment in reshaping its gambling landscape.

For operators, suppliers and stakeholders across the iGaming value chain, now is the time to engage, prepare, and adapt, because Ireland’s modernised gambling regime is no longer theoretical, it’s officially underway.

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Interested in launching in Ireland or need support?

As a global iGaming provider, our expert team are well-placed to support with setting up an iGaming entity in Ireland, including licensing, corporate services, compliance, banking and more.

Speak to our iGaming experts today to learn more about Ireland or to start your iGaming licensing process today.

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Contact Gary

Gary Harrison

CEO

gary@gaminggateway.com