Irish Gambling Licensing Timeline 2024–2028
Ireland is moving from a fragmented, decades-old licensing system to a single national framework run by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). The transition is being rolled out in phases across several years. This timeline sets out the key dates and what each phase covers, so players and operators know where things stand.
From Legacy Laws to a Modern Regulator
Before the current reforms, gambling in Ireland was governed by a mix of ageing statutes, principally the Betting Act 1931 and the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956, with licensing spread across different bodies. The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 replaced this with a unified system under the GRAI.
Key Dates
23 October 2024 — Gambling Regulation Act signed into law
The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 was signed into law, creating the legal basis for the GRAI and the new licensing regime.
5 March 2025 — GRAI formally established
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland became operational as an independent statutory regulator.
9 February 2026 — First licence applications open
Applications opened via the GRAI's online operator portal for remote betting, in-person betting and remote betting intermediary licences, following a commencement order from the Minister for Justice.
1 July 2026 — First remote betting licences issued
The GRAI issued the first remote (online) betting and betting-intermediary licences, marking the formal start of the licensed era for online betting operators.
By 1 December 2026 — In-person betting transition closes
In-person betting operators are expected to complete their transition from the legacy Revenue Commissioners permission regime to full GRAI licensing.
2027–2028 — Gaming, lotteries and B2B licences
Application windows for further licence classes — including remote gaming (online casino, slots and other RNG-based products), lotteries, business-to-business (B2B) services, and charitable and philanthropic licences — are scheduled to open progressively across 2027 and 2028.
What This Means for Players
- Online betting is now moving fully into the licensed GRAI regime.
- Online casino and gaming licences are expected later in the rollout (from 2027 onward), so many casino operators continue to serve Irish players under existing recognised licences during the transition.
- Throughout the transition, players should stick to operators that hold recognised licences and clearly display responsible-gambling tools. Compare vetted options on our top-rated casino and betting sites page.
Dates and phases can change as the GRAI updates its plans. Always confirm the current position on the regulator's website before relying on a specific date.
Sources
- Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland — grai.ie and grai.ie/news
- Gambling Regulation Act 2024 — Irish Statute Book
Frequently Asked Questions
When did GRAI licensing start in Ireland?
Applications for remote and in-person betting licences opened on 9 February 2026, and the first remote betting licences were issued on 1 July 2026.
When will online casino (gaming) licences be available?
Remote gaming licences — covering online casinos, slots and other RNG-based products — are scheduled to open for applications across 2027 and 2028, later in the phased rollout.
What laws did the new system replace?
The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 replaced older legislation including the Betting Act 1931 and the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956.
Can I still play at online casinos during the transition?
Yes. Many operators continue to serve Irish players under existing recognised licences while gaming licences are phased in. Always choose operators with recognised licensing and responsible-gambling tools.