Eve Luneborg
Gambling in Ireland is now regulated under a new legal structure that brings together older laws and recent legislative changes. These reforms aim to deal with modern gambling, including online casinos. The legal framework defines who can operate gambling services, what types of gambling are allowed, and what standards must be met to ensure fairness, transparency, and player protection. The new system is designed to close gaps in older laws and respond to the growing use of online gambling.
Under the new law, all gambling operators who offer services to players in Ireland must hold a valid licence issued by the GRAI. This applies to both local and international companies, and includes land-based betting shops, online casinos, poker rooms, sports betting platforms, and bingo operators. It also covers B2B companies such as game developers, live dealer studios, payment processors, and marketing affiliates. Basically, any company involved in the gambling supply chain.
To get a licence, operators must meet strict conditions. They must show that they are financially stable, that they follow anti-money laundering procedures, and that they have proper systems in place to protect players. This includes offering tools for responsible gambling, protecting player data, and complying with advertising and data protection laws. The goal is to ensure that only serious, compliant operators can legally access the Irish gambling market.
The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 is not just about issuing licences. It also decides how gambling should be conducted. Operators must make sure their games are fair by only using software that’s been tested and certified by independent labs. Player protection is also a key part of the law. All licensed operators must also offer several responsible gambling tools and clear terms and conditions.
Advertising rules are also stricter. Companies must make sure their marketing does not target children, vulnerable people, or make misleading claims. There are also legal requirements for how gambling sites handle personal data, under both the Data Protection Act 2018 and the EU’s GDPR.
Operators are also expected to follow national and European anti-money laundering laws. They must check the identity of players, monitor betting patterns, and report any suspicious behaviour to the authorities. These rules are meant to stop criminal activity and protect the integrity of the gambling industry.
The GRAI has the legal power to enforce the new regulations for online gambling in Ireland. This includes issuing fines, suspending or revoking licences, and taking legal action against non-compliant companies. It can also block access to unlicensed gambling websites targeting Irish players. These enforcement powers are a major change from the previous system.
From mid-2025, only operators that hold an Irish licence will be allowed to legally serve Irish players. The law allows a transitional period so existing operators can apply for licences and ensure compliance. After this period ends, any operator without a licence risks being prosecuted and having their websites blocked.
Several other laws also apply to gambling regulations in Ireland.
The new legal system includes a grace period for existing operators. During this transitional phase, companies already offering their services in the Irish market, while being licensed overseas, can continue accepting Irish players. However, if they want to keep offering gambling services to Irish players long-term, they must apply for an Irish licence. This period gives casino operators time to adapt to the new legislation and regulations. Once it ends, unlicensed operators will be blocked and potentially penalised.
Ireland’s gambling laws are changing from a patchwork of old statutes to a more modern legal system. The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 is now the central law that governs all gambling activity in the country. It puts new rules in place for licensing, fairness, advertising, player safety, and business conduct. Whether you’re an operator or an Irish player, understanding these rules is now essential for legal compliance and safer gambling.
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.