Irish Gambling Reform Frames DragonBet’s Market Entry

The arrival of DragonBet in Ireland comes at a moment of transition for the country’s gambling sector, with long-standing licensing structures still in place while a new regulatory authority prepares to assume control. The operator, which is incorporated in England and Wales, has obtained a Remote Bookmaker’s Licence that allows it to begin offering services to Irish customers under the existing framework.

The company confirmed the expansion through a post on LinkedIn, marking Ireland as a new operational territory. In the announcement, DragonBet stated, “we’re incredibly excited to welcome our new Irish customers as the business begins operating in a new country”. The licence enables the operator to trade legally in Ireland while broader regulatory changes continue to unfold.

Operating Under Legacy Legislation

For now, responsibility for gambling licences remains with the Revenue Commissioners, Ireland’s tax authority. This role stems from legislation introduced decades ago, including the Betting Act 1931 and the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956. Although these laws date back to a very different era, they continue to form the legal basis for gambling oversight in Ireland.

DragonBet’s licence has been issued under this system, which has changed little since the last century. While functional, the framework has been widely viewed as ill-equipped to deal with modern online betting and the presence of multinational operators. That perception has driven political efforts to replace the existing structure with a more comprehensive regulatory model.

Legislative Process Reshapes Oversight

The shift toward a new regime began in 2021, when the Fianna Fáil–Fine Gael coalition government introduced proposals for a revised Irish Gambling Act. The aim was to replace laws approaching 100 years old, drafted long before digital platforms and cross-border betting became commonplace.

The proposed reforms underwent a three-year consultation period, followed by extensive debate at senior levels of government. In 2024, the legislation secured approval from both chambers of the Oireachtas, the Dáil and the Seanad. With that approval, the foundations were laid for the creation of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland.

The new authority represents a central pillar of the updated framework and is designed to consolidate supervision of gambling activity under a single body. Oversight duties will eventually transfer from the Revenue Commissioners to the GRAI , marking a significant institutional change.

What The Transition Means For Operators

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland is expected to begin exercising its full supervisory remit sometime this year. A two-year roadmap is already in progress to guide the authority toward self-sufficiency. That plan outlines five core areas of focus running through to 2027, covering licensing, compliance and monitoring, enforcement activity, digital infrastructure, and consumer protection.

Another component of the reform package is the planned introduction of a Social Impact Fund. Under this mechanism, gambling operators will be required to contribute toward initiatives related to problem gambling, including treatment, prevention, and education. The structure has been compared to the Statutory Gambling Levy applied in the United Kingdom.

Once the new regulatory system takes effect, all operators currently licensed in Ireland will need to seek fresh approval from the GRAI.

Source:

“DragonBet makes Ireland entry with remote bookmaker licence”, sbcnews.co.uk, January 19, 2026