Ireland Launches New Licensing System For Gambling Firms

Ireland’s long-awaited reform of gambling regulation has entered its operational stage, with betting and gaming companies able to apply for licences from Thursday. The move follows the commencement of key sections of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, enabling the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland to license operators and enforce compliance across the industry.

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan signed the commencement order this week, formally granting the regulator those powers. Announcing the development, he said: “This marks another important step towards replacing Ireland’s outdated gambling laws with a streamlined and simplified licensing framework.” He added: “This reflects the nature of modern gambling and takes into account the harms associated with problem gambling, by providing safeguards to protect people from those harms, especially children.”

Structure Of The New Licensing System

From Thursday, the authority can accept and process licence applications covering both remote and in-person betting. The act, which passed in October 2024, created the regulator, which officially began operating in March 2025.

Three licence categories will apply. Business-to-consumer licences cover wagering at physical premises and online betting, including pool betting and intermediary services that allow customers to bet with one another remotely. Business-to-business licences apply to suppliers of gambling products or related services. Separate licences will also be issued for charitable or philanthropic gambling, such as lotteries or event-based pool betting, though those requirements will not take effect until 2027 or 2028.

Remote operators can be licensed from 1 July, while in-person operators must apply by 1 December, when their existing permissions expire. The regulator has indicated that licences for new market entrants may be issued as soon as practical.

Compliance Measures And Enforcement Powers

The regulator now holds investigative authority, including the power to issue fines of up to €20 million or 10% of a licensee’s turnover, whichever is higher. It may also apply to the courts for orders requiring unlicensed operators to cease activity.

Consumer protection obligations under the act include a ban on credit card payments for gambling, prohibitions on children gambling, and requirements for operators to allow customers to set spending limits online. Gambling premises will not be permitted to host ATMs, and operators must comply with rules on account closures and refunds.

Inducements such as VIP treatment, free bets, free credit, and free hospitality are prohibited. Advertising restrictions include a ban on gambling ads on television and radio between 5.30am and 9pm, alongside an opt-in requirement for marketing. A national self-exclusion register will also be introduced.

As part of the licensing process, the authority will conduct “boots-on-the-ground" inspections of gambling premises, including reviews of proximity to schools and engagement with local authorities.

Addressing Gambling Harm

The regulator has commissioned studies indicating that hundreds of thousands of people in Ireland may experience problem gambling. A recent report found those who gambled as children are almost twice as likely to develop gambling problems as adults. Spending on gambling has also risen during the cost-of-living crisis.

Applicants will face “fit and proper” checks. The regulator said: “Therefore, all account officers must be of fit and proper standing, and fully appreciate the serious nature of the role they are undertaking,” noting potential liability if offences occur.

Source:

“Irish gambling operators can apply for licence from Thursday under new legislation”, irishexaminer.com, February 4, 2026