Updated July 2026 · Independent reference
Regulated gambling in Ireland, explained in one place.
Ireland is replacing a century of patchwork gambling law with a single regulator — the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). This site tracks the legislation, the licensing rollout, and which operators and venues are covered, so you can check before you play.
Where the rollout stands
Newest first. Each milestone is flagged Confirmed or Pending — to update one, change the word in its data-status attribute and the styling follows automatically.
2026–2027 Pending
Remote gaming (online casino) licences phase in
Online casino products fall under a separate remote gaming category still being commenced. We'll list operators here as licences issue.
1 December 2026 Pending
In-person betting licences commence
High-street bookmakers transition from Revenue Commissioner permissions to GRAI licences.
1 July 2026 Confirmed
First remote betting licences issued
Online bookmakers and betting intermediaries now require a GRAI licence to serve Irish customers.
February 2026 Confirmed
Licensing & enforcement powers commence
Commencement order signed; the Operator Portal opens for B2C betting licence applications on 9 February.
March 2025 Confirmed
GRAI assumes regulatory oversight
Ireland's first dedicated gambling regulator becomes operational.
October 2024 Confirmed
Gambling Regulation Act 2024 signed into law
Replaces the Betting Act 1931 and the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 with one modern framework.
Start here
The legislation
The Gambling Regulation Act 2024, what it repealed, the penalties, and the consumer protections it introduces.
Read the law guide →Online operators
The regulated online betting brands serving Ireland, and the status of online casino licensing.
See the operator list →Land-based venues
Ireland's casino-style private members' clubs and how the new Act changes their legal footing.
Browse venues →Lotteries
The National Lottery under its own regulator, and charitable lotteries moving under the GRAI.
Read the guide →Check a licence
A step-by-step method for verifying whether an operator is actually authorised in Ireland.
Learn how →Making a complaint
Step by step: what the GRAI can and can't do, how to escalate, and how to chase withheld winnings.
Read the guide →Responsible gambling
Deposit limits, self-exclusion, and where to get free, confidential help in Ireland.
Get support info →FAQ
Quick answers: is online gambling legal, what age applies, are offshore sites allowed, and more.
Read the FAQ →