Legislation guide
Irish gambling law, from 1931 to the GRAI.
For decades Irish gambling ran on laws written before the internet existed. The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 replaces them with a single framework and a regulator with real enforcement powers. Here's what changed and why it matters.
The old framework (now being repealed)
| Law | What it covered | The problem |
|---|---|---|
| Betting Act 1931 | Land-based bookmakers; licences issued via the Revenue Commissioners. | Written for the high-street bookie of the 1930s. No concept of online betting. |
| Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 | Land-based gaming and lotteries; prohibited casino games outside licensed premises. | Effectively banned commercial casinos, pushing venues into the private members' club model. Silent on online casino play. |
| Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Act 2019 | Modernised stake/prize limits and confirmed 18 as the minimum gambling age. | A patch, not a fix — online gambling remained largely unregulated in Ireland. |
The Gambling Regulation Act 2024
The Act is the most significant reform of Irish gambling law in nearly a century. Its key features:
- A single regulator. The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) — independent, with licensing, inspection, complaint-investigation and enforcement functions covering online and in-person gambling. Parts 7 and 8 govern complaints against licensees and enforcement.
- Unified licence categories. Part 3 of the Act sets out licence classes covering in-person betting, remote betting, remote betting intermediaries, gaming, lotteries, and charitable/philanthropic licences.
- Serious penalties. Part 6 provides for administrative financial sanctions of up to €20 million or 10% of annual turnover (whichever is higher), plus powers to suspend or revoke licences and inspect premises. Breaches can also be criminal offences carrying up to 5 years' imprisonment.
- Consumer protections. A ban on gambling with credit cards or facilitated credit, mandatory age verification, obligations to pay out winnings and close accounts on request, and required tools such as deposit limits, loss limits and session time controls.
- Advertising powers. The GRAI can regulate gambling advertising, websites and apps — including how gambling is promoted to Irish audiences.
- A national self-exclusion register. A central register allowing people to exclude themselves from licensed operators.
- A Social Impact Fund. Funded by industry levies to support research, awareness and treatment of problem gambling.
Who regulates what, right now
| Activity | Status (July 2026) | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Online (remote) betting | Licensed | GRAI — first licences issued 1 July 2026 |
| In-person betting shops | Applications open | Transition to GRAI licences from 1 December 2026; Revenue permissions until then |
| Online casino / remote gaming | Phasing in | GRAI category commencing 2026–2027 |
| Land-based casino-style venues | Members' club | Operating as private members' clubs pending GRAI gaming licences |
| Lotteries (small-scale/local) | Phasing in | GRAI lottery licences to follow; charitable licences at a later stage |
Primary sources
- Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (grai.ie) — the official regulator, guidance and news.
- Irish Statute Book — full text of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 and prior Acts.
- Citizens Information — the GRAI — plain-language official summary.
- gov.ie — Department of Justice announcements and commencement orders.
Not legal advice. This page is a general summary. The Act is being commenced in phases and details change; operators and consumers with specific questions should consult the GRAI or a qualified solicitor.