Ireland Starts GRAI Remote Betting Licences From July 1
Ireland’s Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRAI) brought remote betting and betting intermediary licences into force on July 1, 2026, according to JAMMA. The first authorisations apply to online betting, other remote channels such as phone betting, and intermediaries that facilitate bets between parties. Licences for betting at physical retail locations will follow later this year.
What Licensed Operators Must Now Do
Under the new licence regime, operators must verify customer age to block underage gambling. They must also pay winnings on time, avoid offering credit or accepting credit card payments, and allow customers to request closure of their betting account.
GRAI will run ongoing compliance checks on licence holders. The regulator holds investigation, enforcement, and sanction powers against unauthorised gambling activity.
Minister And Regulator Comment On The Rollout
Ireland’s Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, said the launch of remote betting licences introduces a clear and solid regulatory system. He added that the move strengthens Ireland’s position as a well regulated market and sets consistent compliance standards for operators.
Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO of GRAI, said the regulator started with remote betting because it is the most important segment of Ireland’s betting market. Licensed operators must comply with the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 provisions already in force, which give consumers new protections when they bet online or by phone.
According to Caulfield, the licensing process is strict. Operators must prove reliability and financial strength, and show that winnings are funded only through legally sourced funds. She added that a lack of oversight over unlicensed operators significantly raises the risk of consumer harm, and confirmed GRAI has already started to identify unauthorised operators.
The wider licensing rollout will continue in phases. Applications for further categories, such as gaming, lotteries, B2B services, and charitable or philanthropic activities, will open during 2027 and 2028.
💡TGJ Take
Ireland’s July 1 start date gives remote betting operators a clear compliance line. Licensed status now comes with active consumer protection duties, not just a badge on a website. The credit and credit card ban puts payments and responsible gambling controls at the centre of compliance, while age checks and account closure rights add operational friction. For suppliers and B2B service providers, the real commercial window opens later, once GRAI accepts applications for B2B categories in 2027 and 2028.
