Eve Luneborg
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is Ireland’s new national gambling regulator. Its role is to control and oversee all gambling in Ireland, including live casinos, sports betting, and other online games. The GRAI is an official authority, created under the Gambling Regulation Act 2023. They began their operations in 2025 and are expected to be fully operational by 2027.
Once fully active, the GRAI will issue gambling licences, monitor operators, and take action against non-compliant licensees. The aim is to create a fully regulated and safe gambling market for Irish players.
As of now, the GRAI is not yet fully operational. Until it is, it remains legal for online casino operators using licences from other jurisdictions to operate in the country. After the transition period ends, all online casinos that accept Irish players will be required to hold a licence from the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland.
The GRAI replaces the old system under which gambling was regulated by outdated laws that did not cover online gambling. This new authority provides Ireland with a modern approach to gambling, similar to what’s offered by the UKGC, MGA, GRA, and other regulators across the EU.
Controlling, monitoring, and regulating gambling in Ireland will be the key responsibilities of the GRAI. This includes gambling that takes place both online and in land-based establishments. The new law — the Gambling Regulation Act 2023 — sets out clear regulations for companies seeking to offer gambling services in Ireland.
The GRAI can:
If you’re in Ireland and you play at a live casino or any other gambling site, the GRAI will have the authority to regulate how that site operates and ensure it complies with Irish law.
For years, the lack of a national regulator for online gambling in Ireland made the country an easy target for unlicensed sites. With the GRAI in place, that is changing. Operators who wish to continue offering services to Irish players will need to obtain an Irish licence and comply with local rules.
Although it is still early days, the GRAI is expected to take a firm stance on illegal gambling, advertising breaches, and player harm. This is a welcome change by many within the industry and by support groups who have long called for stronger protections. Once fully operational, the GRAI will contribute to safer gambling conditions for all Irish citizens and residents.
One of the GRAI’s main roles is to protect players. This includes ensuring that licensed operators:
If you have a problem with a gambling site that is licensed and regulated in Ireland, you should contact the GRAI through their formal complaints system. If the site is non-compliant with any licence conditions, the GRAI can intervene and help resolve the issue.
This gives you recourse if you encounter a non-compliant casino.
The GRAI will require all licensed operators to provide clear, easy-to-use tools for safe and responsible gambling. This is one of the main objectives of the new Irish system — to reduce gambling harm and ensure Irish players can gamble responsibly.
Operators will need to offer:
If you feel you’re spending too much time or money gambling, the GRAI’s rules will ensure that you can pause or stop your play. Gambling companies that ignore these requirements will face penalties, including fines or revocation of their licence.
The authority will also regulate advertising. There will be restrictions on what gambling ads can say, where they can appear, and when they can be shown. This is aimed at protecting younger people and others considered vulnerable.
Once the system is fully operational, any company that wants to offer gambling to people in Ireland must apply for a GRAI licence. This applies to both Irish and foreign operators.
The licensing process will include:
If a company fails to pass any of these steps, it will not receive a licence. If the application is found to contain false information, the licence can be revoked. These rules are designed to ensure that only credible and responsible companies can offer gambling to players in Ireland.
Once licensed, operators must comply with strict rules set by the GRAI. These rules are intended to protect players, prevent criminal activity, and ensure that gambling is conducted fairly and safely.
Key requirements will include:
Live casinos must also ensure that games are streamed clearly, managed by trained staff, and comply with the fairness standards approved by the GRAI.
Failure to meet these requirements can result in fines, licence suspension, or full cancellation.
The GRAI will have the authority to enforce all provisions of the Gambling Regulation Act. If a licensed gambling operator breaches the rules, the GRAI can take enforcement action. This may include:
In cases of serious misconduct, the GRAI can also coordinate with Gardaí (Irish police) or international regulatory authorities.
This means that rogue operators will no longer be able to operate freely in the Irish market. If you play at a GRAI-licensed live casino, you will know that the site is subject to Irish oversight and is required to comply with local law.
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland is a major step forward for Irish gambling. It gives you, the player, much more protection. It also raises the standard for live casinos and other gambling sites that want to serve the Irish market.
As the new rules take effect, licensed operators will have to meet higher standards for fairness, safety, and responsible gambling. You’ll also have a way to file complaints and seek help when needed.
If you’re choosing where to play, look out for sites licensed by the GRAI. This will be a key sign that the casino is legal, safe, and accountable in Ireland.
Eve Luneborg – Live Casino Specialist at LiveCasino.ie
Eve Luneborg has been part of the online casino industry since 2014, when she moved to the sunny shores of Malta to pursue her passion for gaming.