Ireland Gambling Law 2026
Gambling Regulation Act 2024 · GRAI · Licensing Timeline · Player Protections
Quick Take
- The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 created the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). It opened applications for remote betting licences on 9 February 2026 and issued the first ones on 1 July 2026.
- Licensing of online casino games is a later phase and is not expected before 2027. Casino sites Irish players use today are licensed elsewhere, mostly in Malta.
- As of July 2026, the broadcast ad watershed, the National Gambling Exclusion Register and the Social Impact Fund were not yet fully operational.
📌 Informational guide: this page explains the law in Ireland. Cocktailspins does not list, rank or link to gambling operators for players in Ireland. Rules change — follow updates in our Regulation Tracker.
From the 1930s to a Modern Regulator
For decades Irish gambling law rested on the Betting Act 1931 and the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956, with remote bookmakers licensed through the Revenue Commissioners and no dedicated regulator. The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 replaces that patchwork with a single regulator, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), and a licensing system covering betting, gaming and lotteries, both online and in person.
The Licensing Timeline
| Date | Step |
|---|---|
| 5 Feb 2026 | Commencement order takes effect |
| 9 Feb 2026 | GRAI opens applications for remote and in-person betting licences |
| 1 Jul 2026 | First remote betting and betting intermediary licences take effect |
| 2027 onwards | Online casino (remote gaming) licensing expected |
Betting was deliberately licensed first. Online casino and gaming licences are a later phase, not expected to open before 2027, so the casino sites available to Irish players today hold licences from other jurisdictions, most commonly Malta. Charitable lotteries were still awaiting an opening date in September 2026.
What Changes for Players
Once the Act’s protections are fully in force for licensees, they include a ban on accepting credit card payments, a ban on VIP-style inducements and on offers aimed at winning back players after losses, mandatory deposit limits and time-outs, a minimum age of 18, and a ban on gambling advertising on TV, radio and on-demand services between 5:30am and 9pm. The National Gambling Exclusion Register will let a player bar themselves from every GRAI-licensed operator with one request. The GRAI can fine operators up to €20 million or 10% of turnover, whichever is higher. As of July 2026, the ad watershed, the exclusion register and the Social Impact Fund were not yet fully operational, so check the GRAI’s site for what applies on a given date.
Tax on Winnings
Gambling winnings are not subject to income tax in Ireland. Betting duty is paid by operators, not players.
Crypto
The EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) applies: crypto-asset service providers need authorisation from a national regulator, and the transitional periods for firms operating under older national rules ended by 1 July 2026 at the latest. In Ireland, the Central Bank of Ireland authorises crypto-asset service providers. For how stablecoin transfers work, see our USDT TRC20 explainer.
Our Position and Help
While Ireland’s new licensing system is being built, this page explains the law and does not list or link to operators. GamblingCare.ie offers free support, and several Irish banks, including AIB, Bank of Ireland and PTSB, offer gambling transaction blocks in their apps. Our Responsible Gambling Score explains what good player protection looks like.
FAQ
Who regulates gambling in Ireland?
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), created by the Gambling Regulation Act 2024.
Can online casinos get an Irish licence yet?
Not yet. Remote betting licences were issued from 1 July 2026; online casino licensing is a later phase not expected before 2027.
Are gambling winnings taxed in Ireland?
No. Gambling winnings are not subject to income tax in Ireland; betting duty is paid by operators.
What is the National Gambling Exclusion Register?
A GRAI-run register that will let a player exclude themselves from all licensed operators with one request. It was not yet fully operational as of July 2026.