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Ireland’s Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRAI) has published comprehensive Licensing Application Guidance ahead of the country’s new Gambling Regulation Act 2024 regime, which will start accepting online and retail B2C betting applications later this year. Licences come with a tiered fee linked to turnover, and applicants must post a public notice of intent 28 days before applying as well as pass rigorous owner vetting – all requirements that every operator serving Irish customers will need to meet.

Policy Mechanics

  • Phased opening: B2C betting first; B2B, casino and lottery licences will follow in later waves.
  • Mandatory public notice: Prospective licensees must publish an “intention to apply” advert at least 28 days before filing.
  • Tiered fees: Licence charges scale with last-year turnover (or forecasts for start-ups), replacing flat-rate pricing.
  • Three B2C betting categories: Online, land-based and intermediary.
  • Existing operators: Continue under the Betting Act 1931 and Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956; those permits remain valid for one year.

Safeguards & Compliance Requirements

Operators must submit a full suite of governance documents, including:

  • Verified identities, criminal-record certificates and tax data for all beneficial owners and key officers.
  • Audited financial statements, bank references and a forward-looking business plan.
  • Policies covering AML/CFT, KYC, responsible gambling, risk management and whistle-blower protection.
  • Acceptance that all licence fees are non-refundable.

Failure to meet these standards can delay or derail approval, and ongoing supervision will mirror the new controls.

Rationale and Industry Outlook

GRAI says the guidance is designed to “streamline the submission process and support early compliance.” Consultants expect the tiered-fee model to favour well-capitalised brands while encouraging market consolidation. Despite tighter rules, Ireland’s sizable betting audience and digital-first habits are likely to attract both incumbent and new international operators.

Scope & Next Steps

GRAI plans to launch an online application portal for B2C betting licences later in 2025. In the meantime, operators can direct any questions to licensing@grai.ie. Separate announcements with detailed fee structures and timelines for B2B and charitable licences will be released as the 2026 licensing framework moves closer to implementation.

Source: https://www.grai.ie/news/gambling-regulator-publishes-licensing-application-guidance