Gambling authority in Ireland given go ahead to begin issuing licenses

The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration in Ireland, Jim O’Callaghan, has officially signed an order which will see the gambling authority begin issuing remote and in-person betting licenses.

This comes after the recently formed Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) opened its first public consultation to seek opinions on the proposed licensing regulations back in April 2025.

The gambling regulators are the ones responsible for issuing licenses and collecting money for the fund. Now, this newly signed order will come into effect on Thursday, 5 February.

Along with the authority being able to start this process, it also commences the enforcement, oversight and complaints mechanisms that are central to the new licensing framework.

Minister Jim O’Callaghan has signed an order and provides update on Ireland-based gambling licenses

Speaking on the update, which is long coming, Minister O’Callaghan said: “Today marks another important step towards replacing Ireland’s outdated gambling laws with a streamlined and simplified licensing framework.

“This reflects the nature of modern gambling and takes into account the harms associated with problem gambling, by providing safeguards to protect people from those harms, especially children.”

The GRAI published its Statement of Strategy for 2025 – 2027 today, setting out its strategic priorities over the next three years as it establishes a robust regulatory and licensing regime for the gambling sector and delivers on its public protection mandate. pic.twitter.com/0oReqX9dkx

— Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (@GambRegIRL) October 15, 2025

The minister confirmed the authority can issue licenses for new entrants as soon as is feasible and can license remote operators from 1 July 2026 and in-person operators from 1 December 2026, when their existing licenses expire.

“The Act provides the Authority with the necessary enforcement powers to take appropriate and focused action where licensees fail to comply with licensing terms, conditions and regulations, and to deal with unlicensed operators, those operating without the correct licence, or those in contravention of the terms of a licence issued by the Authority.”

The commencement order means the GRAI has been given robust investigative powers, allowing for administrative sanctions of fines of up to €20 million or 10% of a licensee’s turnover, whichever is the greater, to be imposed on licensees, where they are found to be in contravention of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024.

Featured Image: Via GRAI X account

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