The Gambling Regulation Act 2024
The Act is the foundation of Ireland’s updated system. It centralises licensing and oversight, with a clear focus on operator responsibilities and consumer safeguards. Its provisions cover:
- Authorisation of gambling businesses
- Regulatory supervision and compliance
- Customer protection measures
- Restrictions on underage gambling
- Advertising and promotional standards
- Enforcement powers
- Gambling exclusion arrangements
- Funding for initiatives addressing gambling-related harm
The Act is being implemented in stages, which means some provisions commence at different times from others.
The role of GRAI
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is the independent regulator created by the legislation. Its functions include issuing licences, monitoring operators, assessing compliance and taking enforcement action where the law allows. It also develops standards aimed at a safer and more transparent gambling environment. Its official publications are the reference point for current requirements.
Licensing requirements
The reforms introduce a new licensing system for operators. The first licensing phase for betting activities began in February 2026, covering both remote and in-person betting licences. Businesses must meet the applicable requirements before offering regulated services.
Different gambling activities, different requirements
Licensing requirements depend on the type of gambling activity. Betting and casino-style gaming should not be assumed to carry identical requirements, and commencement dates and authorisation categories should be checked against official sources. This matters particularly for services that offer several gambling products through a single account.
Age checks and customer verification
Gambling services must not be offered to children where the law prohibits it. Operators may be required to verify a customer’s identity and age before granting access to certain services, which can involve documents or other supporting information. Submit personal information only through genuine, secure operator channels.
Consumer safeguards
The framework includes measures covering account controls, advertising, complaints handling, exclusion arrangements and operator responsibilities. It provides for a National Gambling Exclusion Register and a Social Impact Fund. Exactly how each works in practice depends on the relevant commencement provisions and the regulatory arrangements made under them.
Payment restrictions
The framework also restricts certain payment methods. A prohibition on the use of credit cards for gambling formed part of the measures commencing in February 2026. Payment conditions may additionally involve account verification, deposit procedures and rules on the handling of customer funds. Review both the operator’s payment terms and current regulatory guidance.
How consumers can check a service
- Find the company’s full legal name.
- Identify the type of gambling service being offered.
- Review the operator’s licensing information.
- Check whether that authorisation covers the specific activity.
- Read the account, payment and withdrawal conditions.
- Review the customer support and complaints channels.
- Consult GRAI publications if anything needs clarification.
Where to find official information
| Source | What it provides |
|---|---|
| Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (grai.ie) | Licensing requirements, regulatory standards, operator guidance and commencement information. |
| Irish Statute Book (irishstatutebook.ie) | The text of the legislation itself, including the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. |
| Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration (gov.ie) | Policy background and announcements on implementation. |