The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland has asked for a register of interest from possible operators. From this, it hopes to understand the scale of different sectors in Irish gambling. We discuss how this may work in the article below.
On 27th March, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland began the task of asking potential operators interested in applying for a gambling license in Ireland to do so. These will be awarded for variations of gambling including online casinos and sportsbooks. However, it does not include licenses for the National Lottery.
Registrations for Gambling Licensing
None of this is a guarantee of a license. Instead, the GRAI hopes to determine the size and scope of interest across the range of different sectors. It is also looking to build a pool of applicants, so it can keep them informed once the licensing portal opens later in the year. All of this is done through a quick online survey.
CEO of the GRAI, Anne-Marie Caulfield, has said they anticipated an opening by the end of the year for land-based and online sportsbook operators. The following year, 2026, will see a further rollout for digital gaming, and soon after this period, online casinos in Ireland will require a permit. This will conclude in 2027 with any remaining phases. There are also expected to be a host of changes along the way, such as changes to advertising laws.
Malta Gaming Authority
So far, before the introduction of the GRAI, most of the casinos in Ireland, or at least the legitimate ones, hold licenses from the Malta Gaming Authority. Along with the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, it is one of the most respected bodies in the world when it comes to online gambling. This is because many of the major casinos have their bases in Malta for tax reasons. Therefore, cleaning up the industry and ensuring transparency and fairness is a huge benefit to Malta.
The Malta Gaming Authority has several key aims. The first is that reputable and compliant operators hold Malta Gaming Authority licenses. Thus, any business holding one has to go through a series of rigorous tests that cover a wide range of factors. This can be everything from the fairness and transparency of their games, down to payment methods and how secure they are with personal and financial data. It is expected that the GRAI will follow a similar path, looking at the same key areas for Irish licensing.
Added to this is their work to protect minors and the vulnerable from the harms of gambling. This covers addiction, so they do provide a wide range of literature on safeguarding players and responsible gambling measures. This must also be a key area that the GRAI should cover.
Gambling in Ireland
The GRAI was established as part of the Gambling Regulation Act of 2024. Long-awaited, its aim was to modernise gambling laws and practices in the country, bringing them up to date to deal with digital gambling, online casinos and land-based issues. It also aimed to bring in new rules regarding the safeguarding of players.
It is estimated Ireland’s online gambling revenue will reach €1.2bn by the end of 2025. However, none of this includes sports betting or lotteries, nor games such as bingo. In total, this could be much higher, particularly if figures increase as they have done over the past few years.
A host of gambling companies also call the country home, mainly due to its membership in the European Union, easy-to-understand laws and generous taxation. Even companies from abroad have begun to take an interest and acquire parts of Irish gambling companies, such as Française des Jeux.
To date, it has already suggested a raft of changes. These have included a national self exclusion scheme, along with a mandatory levy that will go toward a social impact fund. Banning credit cards and advertising restrictions has also been on its agenda.
The Type of Available Licenses
There will also be a range of different licenses that will be on offer. These can be broken down into B2C, B2B and charity licences.
Business-to-customer will see operators register for an interest in direct-to-consumer betting. This will involve remote or in-person betting, as well as gaming and online lotteries.
A B2B would be for those providing services to gambling operators. This may include developers who license out and create games, as well as physical hardware. The final category will cover charitable purposes. However, these licenses will be one of the final ones to arrive.
Gambling laws are changing rapidly in Ireland, and this has to be for the better. By eliminating grey areas, the state will not only benefit from taxation but it will also help people to avoid scams. This may also attract more businesses related to gambling, from marketers to developers, to Ireland.
