Ireland’s new gambling regulator starts licensing online bookmakers
Remote betting licences issued by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland took effect on 1 July 2026. Licensed operators must verify customers’ ages, may not accept credit cards and must close accounts on request.
By the Sportsbooks Editorial Team · Based on reporting by GRAI
Remote betting and betting intermediary licences issued by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) took effect on 1 July 2026, bringing online bookmakers under the regime created by the Gambling Regulation Act signed into law in late 2024.
Licensed operators must verify customers’ ages, pay out winnings, refrain from offering credit or accepting credit cards, close accounts on request and accept ongoing compliance monitoring by the GRAI.
The wider regime also bans gambling advertising on TV, radio and on-demand services between 5:30am and 9pm, prohibits VIP schemes offering hospitality and perks, restricts free bets and inducements aimed at winning back players, and creates a National Gambling Exclusion Register that lets a person bar themselves from every licensed operator with one request. Breaches can bring fines of up to €20 million or 10% of annual turnover, whichever is higher.
In-person betting licences and remote gaming licences for online casino games follow later. BoyleSports publishes its GRAI licence number, GRAI-0852-RB-26-0001.
Key facts
| Regulator | Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) |
|---|---|
| In force | 1 July 2026 (remote betting) |
| Maximum fine | €20 million or 10% of turnover |
| Self-exclusion | National Gambling Exclusion Register |
| Market | Ireland · regulator: Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) |
| Date | July 1, 2026 |
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Sources
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