Ireland’s New Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRAI) Invites License Applications Ahead of Major Rollout
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has issued a call to prospective gambling operators to express their interest in acquiring licenses as it gears up to launch its licensing portal before the year’s end.
According to the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, which established the GRAI, the agency is responsible for licensing a broad spectrum of gambling activities within Ireland, with the exception being the national lottery.
On March 27, GRAI took its first step in this licensing journey by inviting potential licensees to register their interest, aiming to gauge the number of applicants for each license category. This move is intended to provide the authority with a clearer picture of the market dynamics.
Additionally, GRAI is compiling a database of interested parties to ensure timely updates as the rollout progresses.
Operators and suppliers wishing to register their intent can complete a survey hosted by GRAI, accessible here.
GRAI CEO Anne-Marie Caulfield emphasized the agency’s commitment to expediting the licensing process over other regulatory components. She noted that "the vast majority of the provisions" enforceable by the authority will hinge on the licensing framework.
"We expect to commence accepting applications for betting licenses, both online and land-based, before the end of this year. Subsequently, we’ll shift focus to online gaming in early 2026, continuing towards additional phases of licensing through to 2027," Caulfield commented.
Established under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, the GRAI is poised to introduce new regulations that will usher in notable restrictions on operators, impacting advertising hours and promotional activities among other areas.
Types of Licenses Offered by GRAI
Under the GRAI’s purview, there will be three distinct types of gambling licenses available: Business-to-Consumer (B2C), Business-to-Business (B2B), and charitable licenses.
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B2C Licenses: These are aimed at operators interested in offering remote and in-person betting, as well as remote gaming and lottery options.
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B2B Licenses: This category will cover services that include online hosting, risk management, and software or equipment maintenance. Furthermore, it encompasses the provision of odds and trading services to other licensees.
- Charity Licenses: While these are planned for future issuance, GRAI anticipates they will not be available this year. Charities can, however, still operate under the existing permit system.
Caulfield further elaborated that the licensing framework will be built upon three main components: corporate assessments, financial evaluations, and technical inspections, reinforcing a stringent vetting process for operators.
"There will be a comprehensive evaluation for all applicants, which we consider a top priority," Caulfield assured.
With the GRAI on the brink of its launch, Ireland’s gambling landscape is set to experience a significant transformation, positioning the authority at the forefront of a regulated and consumer-focused gaming environment.