This development represents a clean break with a system where regulation had been fragmented and involved laws from almost a century ago. It was prompted by the signing of the commencement order by Jim O’Callaghan, which put the main parts of the 2024 Act into force. With this signature, the gambling sector in Ireland progressed from transition to implementation.
From Revenue Oversight to a Single Regulator
Until now, the regulation of gambling effectively rested with the Revenue Commissioners as established by the Betting Act of 1931 and the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956. These regulations were not consumer protection-based but rather were informed by taxation issues.
The GRAI, which was established in 2025, seeks to alter the balance. The GRAI will be the sole licenser of all online and offline gambling operations, including powers of investigation and inspection. The licences issued by Revenue will come to an end at the end of this year.
Licensing Rules and Penalties Set a Higher Bar
The new system is not a light-touch approach. The regulator has far-reaching powers to impose administrative fines up to 10% of an operator’s turnover or 20 million euros, whichever is greater. Criminal enforcement powers are already active and can include court-aided orders against illegal operators.
The applicants will be required to publicly declare intent to apply at least 28 days in advance, along with the presentation of a business plan. A special online portal is planned to be opened in early February for submissions and communicating compliances.
Apart from this, there are other rules operating. These include banning credit card gambling, restricting bonuses offered by gambling operators, and restricting gambling advertisements on television and radio during the daytime or early evenings.
A Phased Rollout Through 2026
The GRAI is not trying to do everything at once, and its stated plan shows a clear approach and schedule up to 2027 and beyond. The annual inspection programs are now scheduled for 2026, and specialist investigation and enforcement teams are also planned for later 2026.
One of the most notable changes is the provision for a National Gambling Exclusion Register. This is a central self-exclusion scheme that operators must integrate into. Another change is the introduction of a levy to be paid by the gaming industry. This is expected to generate at least €14 million per annum for a Social Impact Fund.
Industry Pushback and Market Risks
Parts of the industry have also voiced their concerns that the new framework can create unforeseen consequences. Some operators have stated that the existing compliant businesses are already heavily restricted. Further advertising limitations and increased costs, as they believe, might make the legal market less appealing.
Some executives cite other jurisdictions within the region that have had tighter regulations followed by increased levels of play within the offshore sector. Indeed, Flutter – which operates the gambling business Paddy Power – has echoed concerns that over-regulating gambling dissuades players as much as protecting them.
Why The Political Pressure Built
The overhaul of regulation has not taken place in isolation from other factors. Economic and Social Research Institute studies indicate that problem gambling has increased sharply. By rough estimates, one out of every 30 adults has been affected. The estimated total cost of gambling for the country every year comes to about €5.5 billion. A significant portion of it can be attributed to harmful gambling habits.
Separate research, commissioned by the regulator, has emphasized the possible association between early gambling exposure and the higher probability of future addictiveness. That strengthens the political pressure to amend the law.
What This Means For Operators and Policymakers
Ireland is adopting a licence-first, enforcement-led model where failures of compliance come with real financial and legal risk. For policymakers and regulators looking on from other markets, it’s a rare live test case of whether tougher rules can strengthen consumer protection without pushing activity offshore.
The coming 12 to 18 months will tell whether the new system can fulfill its central promise – a safer, more accountable gambling market.
