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Ireland commences GRAI licensing powers for betting operators

Licences & markets

Source: GRAI (Ireland)

Ireland's Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, signed a commencement order on 4 February 2026 enabling the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) to accept and process remote and in-person betting licence applications. The GRAI said those licensing functions would open on 9 February, alongside enforcement and complaints functions under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. Applicants will face suitability checks, and licensing will be phased across licence types.

Operators seeking to offer betting in Ireland must apply under the new GRAI licensing framework.

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