Eve Luneborg
In Ireland, online gambling is legal and now operates under a new national gambling law. The Gambling Regulation Act 2023, which came into effect in 2025, has changed how gambling is licensed and controlled within the country. This law regulates all gambling activities, including online casinos, betting, bingo, poker, and lotteries. It also comes with new safety measures and a national licensing system.
Before the new law, most online gambling sites used by Irish players were licensed overseas. This is still allowed for a limited period, but long-term, all companies must apply for an Irish licence if they want to continue offering their services to Irish players.
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is the new gambling authority, responsible for licensing and supervising gambling in Ireland — both online and land-based. From 2025 onwards, any operator, software provider, or marketing company involved in gambling services must hold an Irish licence to legally operate in the Irish market. The GRAI also enforces rules on responsible gambling, advertising, data protection, and player safety.
Currently, there is a transitional period in place. This gives existing operators time to apply for an Irish gambling licence and adjust to the new rules. However, all new operators entering the market must comply with the law and obtain the correct authorisation before launching.
Irish players can legally take part in a range of online gambling activities. This applies as long as the site is licensed either in Ireland or, for now, in an offshore jurisdiction.
Online sports betting is fully regulated, and bookmakers offering remote betting must now hold a licence under the new law. This law replaces the earlier licensing system under the Betting (Amendment) Act 2015.
Casino games such as slots, roulette, blackjack, and live dealer games are now directly covered under Irish law. This means operators offering these games to Irish players must register with the GRAI. Licence holders must meet Irish standards for fairness, security, and customer protection.
Online poker and bingo, are now also subject to Irish licensing. So these games remain available, but only from licensed providers, once the transition period closes.
Lotteries continue to operate under separate rules. The National Lottery remains the only organisation licensed to offer full lottery draws. Other lotteries, such as charity raffles, can still operate under local permits.
There is no tax on gambling winnings for individuals in Ireland. Whether you win through sports betting, casino games, poker, or lotteries, you do not need to report these winnings or pay tax on them. This means you’ll get to keep every cent you win.
Gambling operators, on the other hand, are required to pay tax on betting turnover and some forms of gaming activity. These duties are handled by them and not passed on to players. The exact tax rates depend on the product type. Here are some examples:
Just to reiterate, these tax rates apply to the operator, and they themselves pay these taxes. You, as a player, will never have to cover these tax liabilities.
With the new rules in place, Irish players should now look for operators licensed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland. However, during the transition period, it is still legal to use sites licensed in other trusted jurisdictions like Malta or the Isle of Man. But eventually, these will need to apply for an Irish licence if they wish to continue offering their services to players residing in Ireland.
When choosing a live casino to play at, check that it clearly displays its licence number and regulatory information. It should also have secure payment options, fair terms and conditions, and clear information about how you can get help or make a complaint.
Avoid sites that don’t name their regulator, lack basic player protections, or have unclear terms of service. Using unlicensed or poorly regulated sites can lead to problems such as delayed payments, unfair bonuses, or a lack of support if something goes wrong.
The new gambling law places a strong focus on player protection. All licensed operators must offer responsible gambling tools and support services. These include deposit and time limits, session reminders, and access to a national self-exclusion register. Operators must also monitor gambling activity for signs of gambling problems and take action when needed.
The GRAI has the power to investigate complaints, suspend or revoke licences, and issue fines for non-compliance. This gives you higher security and clearer paths to resolve problems than before.
All gambling companies that want to serve the Irish market must now meet local gambling regulations in Ireland. This includes casino and betting operators, software suppliers, payment processors, and affiliate marketers. They must follow Irish rules on advertising, player verification, anti-money laundering, and data protection.
Operators that continue to serve the Irish market without a licence, or that fail to comply with the rules, face penalties including fines and criminal charges. The transitional period is expected to run into 2026, but the law is already active and being enforced.
Irish players can expect clearer rules, better protection of their rights, and stronger oversight of licensed platforms. Since all operators must be licensed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), you will have access to services that meet national standards. This goes for fairness, data security, responsible gambling, and other aspects of your gambling journey.
Licensed sites are required to offer responsible gambling tools, meaning you can always control your own betting limits. The law has also introduced stronger controls on advertising and marketing to reduce exposure to vulnerable players. Furthermore, you’ll benefit from improved dispute resolution processes and greater transparency.
Online gambling in Ireland has entered a new regulatory phase, with the Gambling Regulation Act now in force. The new framework brings stronger player protections, national licensing, and improved oversight of operators. Irish players can expect safer gambling environments, better transparency, and more support if issues arise.
Over time, only operators licensed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) will be allowed to serve the market. This transition will eliminate unregulated operators and ensure that all platforms meet local standards. Until then, you can continue using trusted sites, licensed in other jurisdictions.
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.