Betting Sites In Ireland

Ireland's betting market is undergoing a comprehensive transformation in 2025 with the establishment of new regulatory frameworks designed to protect consumers and ensure fair operations. The information below provides an overview of the legal landscape, regulatory requirements, and operational changes affecting betting sites in Ireland.

Legal Framework for Betting Sites in Ireland

Overview of Online Betting Legality

Online betting is legal in Ireland, but only through fully licensed and compliant operators. The country has shifted from a fragmented regulatory system based on outdated legislation to a centralized, modern framework. The legal status of online betting now requires all operators to obtain proper licensing before offering services to Irish punters, with strict age verification to prevent underage access.

Regulatory Authorities and Recent Changes

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is the central regulatory body overseeing all legal gambling activities, both online and in-person. Established as a statutory body in March 2025 following the enactment of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, the GRAI's responsibilities include issuing licenses, investigating complaints, enforcing advertising restrictions, and supporting public education on safe gambling practices.

The GRAI is working towards launching its licensing operations by the end of 2025, with a phased approach that may see certain categories of operators—such as online betting companies—begin applying for licenses before others. A fully regulated market is expected to launch in 2026.

Key regulatory changes affecting operators include:

• New centralized licensing system administered by GRAI
• Advertising bans on TV and radio from 5:30am to 9:00pm
• Strict opt-in requirements for social media and streaming platform advertising
• Credit card betting is no longer permitted
• Mandatory compliance with responsible gambling standards
• Establishment of a National Gambling Exclusion Register for problem gamblers

Compliance and Penalties

All betting sites operating in Ireland must comply with strict conditions established by the GRAI. Non-compliance carries substantial penalties. Operators are responsible for ensuring all sponsored events, websites, and promotional materials comply with advertising regulations. Additionally, betting operators must contribute to the Social Impact Fund if operating commercially and demonstrate adherence to anti-money laundering compliance.

Licensing Framework and Application Process

License Categories

The new licensing system encompasses three distinct categories of licenses depending on the service type and target audience. Operators offering online betting, remote casinos, online poker, sports betting, horse racing, and lotteries must all apply for appropriate licenses through the GRAI.

Application Requirements

The GRAI operates a seven-step licensing application process that includes:

• Publishing a notice of intent
• Submitting comprehensive business and financial documentation
• Undergoing corporate, financial, and technical verification checks
• Demonstrating compliance with responsible gambling standards
• Proving anti-money laundering controls

The authority plans to open the application window in the second half of 2025, with online betting licenses (business-to-consumer) currently available.

Conclusion

The Irish gambling market is transitioning from multiple legacy regulatory regimes to a unified framework. Until the fully regulated market launches in 2026, operators must continue complying with the current legal framework under the Betting Act 1931 and the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956. The phased implementation allows the GRAI to gradually introduce new compliance requirements without overwhelming the regulatory infrastructure during its initial months of operation.

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