This updated regulatory regime is designed to provide clarity, consumer protection, market stability and commercial transparency for all stakeholders, including online operators, suppliers, land-based providers, and ancillary service companies.

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For businesses seeking a credible, EU-aligned regulatory environment, Ireland presents a strategic and forward-looking jurisdiction.

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Modernised Legislative Framework

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For many years, Ireland’s gambling sector was governed primarily by two main Acts:

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• The Betting Act 1931, amended several times to accommodate online sportsbooks

• The Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956, governing gaming machines, lotteries and local permitting

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These Acts did not anticipate digital services, remote gambling infrastructure or modern compliance standards. As Ireland’s digital economy expanded, the need for comprehensive reform became clear.

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The Gambling Regulation Bill

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To address this, the Irish Government introduced the Gambling Regulation Bill, a complete overhaul of the legislative framework that:

• Establishes the GRAI as the single national regulator

• Introduces licensing for all gambling products and services, including online casino, betting and gaming software

• Creates a structured compliance and supervisory model

• Introduces statutory safer gambling requirements

• Defines marketing, sponsorship, and operational standards

• Provides clear powers for enforcement, penalties and licence revocation

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The Bill represents Ireland’s most significant regulatory reform in generations and places the country on par with leading EU jurisdictions.

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI)

The GRAI is a new statutory body established to regulate all gambling activities in Ireland. Its mandate includes:

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Regulatory Responsibilities

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• Issuing and administering gambling licences

• Enforcing compliance and conducting audits/inspections

• Monitoring operators, suppliers and key personnel

• Overseeing advertising, sponsorship and customer interaction rules

• Ensuring effective and proportionate consumer protection

• Combatting gambling-related harm and promoting responsible play

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Licensing Scope

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The GRAI will oversee licence types including:

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• B2C operator licences (remote and land-based)

• B2B supplier licences — including platform providers, game studios and payment services

• Gambling software & technology service providers

• Retail, lottery and charitable gambling categories

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A centralised licencing framework brings Ireland in line with international best practice and creates a predictable, stable environment for operators entering or expanding within the market.

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Regulatory Philosophy

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Ireland’s regulatory approach is shaped by four core principles.

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It is risk-based, concentrating supervisory efforts on material risks rather than imposing unnecessary administrative burdens on operators.

It is consumer-centric, ensuring that products, marketing practices, and operational frameworks are all designed with player protection at their core.

It remains commercially balanced, offering clarity and consistency to compliant operators while creating a framework that discourages unlicensed activity.

Finally, it is aligned with EU standards, leveraging Ireland’s position as an English-speaking, common-law jurisdiction within the European Union to provide regulatory credibility and seamless access to EU financial infrastructure.

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Compliance Expectations

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Operators and suppliers entering the Irish market can expect obligations relating to:

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• AML/CFT compliance under EU directives

• Player protection tools, responsible gambling protocols and mandatory interaction frameworks

• Reporting & data storage requirements within GDPR standards

• Advertising rules, including clear restrictions on timing, placement and content

• Transparent operational policies, including complaints handling, dispute resolution and fairness standards

• Corporate governance requirements, including fit-and-proper assessments

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These frameworks are designed to support a safe, well-regulated and commercially viable gambling environment.

Why Ireland Appeals to Digital Operators

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Ireland offers a strong combination of regulatory clarity, access to markets, and operational benefits:

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• EU-aligned Financial & Compliance Infrastructure. Major global banks, PSPs and fintech companies operate comfortably within Ireland’s regulated ecosystem.​

• World-Class Talent & Technology Environment. Ireland is home to leading tech companies, blockchain innovators, payments platforms and skilled engineering talent.​

• Predictable Business Environment. Stable regulation, transparent company law, extensive double-taxation agreements and a respected legal framework.​

• Strategic Positioning. As an EU member state, Ireland provides operators and suppliers with credibility. 

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