Ireland Opens Gambling Licensing: GRAI Accepting Applications from 9 February

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) will begin accepting applications for remote and in-person betting licences from Monday 9 February 2026, following Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan's signing of the commencement order.

New Licensing FrameworkThe order activates key provisions of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, including enforcement and complaints functions. Operators seeking to enter the Irish market will face a centralised application process with thorough vetting before any licence is granted.

GRAI will implement a phased approach covering three licence types:

Remote betting licencesIn-person betting licencesRemote betting intermediary licencesSuitability RequirementsProspective licensees must demonstrate they are fit and proper to hold a licence, with requirements including:

Background checks and premises inspectionsProof of capacity to fund gambling activities and winningsEvidence that funds derive from lawful sourcesCommitment to responsible gambling practicesThe framework places particular emphasis on protecting vulnerable individuals, especially children, from gambling harms.

What Operators Need to KnowGRAI CEO Anne Marie Caulfield urged operators to engage with the new process early to ensure timely processing of applications. The regulator has indicated that only operators meeting its rigorous standards will receive licences to operate in Ireland.

The licensing regime forms the foundation of GRAI's Strategy Statement 2025-2027, which prioritises effective, efficient, and proportionate regulation of Ireland's gambling market.