Ireland Begins a New Online Betting Era as New Licensing Rules Take Effect

1 July 2026 marked an important date for Ireland’s betting industry. From that day, remote betting operators and betting intermediaries came under the GRAI’s new licensing regime. The system forms part of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 and introduces additional requirements intended to improve customer verification and strengthen safeguards against gambling-related harm.

What the New Rules Mean for Irish Bettors  

One rule that will certainly help you stay safe online is checking that an online site is legitimate before you place your first bet. Make sure to check the official GRAI register of gambling licences to see whether any site you're thinking of using has a legal licence. Most sites that offer online betting, or betting by phone, will need one of the new GRAI remote betting licences. Operators of betting exchanges, where punters bet against each other, need GRAI intermediary licences. 

All previous licences from the Revenue Commissioners ended on 30 June 2026, and companies caught operating without a new GRAI licence face criminal prosecution. For serious breaches, such as allowing a child to gamble, penalties can include prison sentences of up to 8 years. While review websites such as Casino.com in Ireland can help you compare sites, the GRAI list will provide a second place to check whether an operator is safe.

Age and Identity Verification Are Now Required 

To gamble legally across Ireland, individuals need to be at least 18 years of age. The new rules require companies to prove your identity before allowing you to play, so 'play now, verify later' is history, and you cannot have an anonymous account. This means that you will need to provide either a single photo ID that includes your real name, address and date of birth (such as an Irish driving licence), or a photo ID showing your real name and date of birth (such as a passport) together with two separate documents of different types to verify your address (bank statements are not acceptable, and documents must be issued within the last six months).

Moreover, players should avoid sharing unnecessary personal information online, especially on betting sites that have not been properly checked. Contact details, identification information, financial details, and other personal data should only be provided when required and to trusted operators. Limiting the information shared online can help reduce the risk of misuse and protect account security.

More Control Over Payments and Spending  

Licensed betting sites in Ireland now need to ensure that they do not accept payments by credit card or any digital payment method, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, funded by a credit card. Now players can better control their money. Fortunately, sites under the GRAI allow players to set personal limits and stick to them.

In addition to setting personal limits, online gambling sites must provide players with clear terms and conditions, either when they sign up or when the terms change. On the other hand, players should always make sure they use secure passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA) when signing up to sites.

What Happens to Winnings and Closed Accounts?  

If players win, companies must pay out their winnings unless there is a valid reason to suspect something unusual. Players also have the right to close an account in writing, and the company must follow that request. Failing to respond to an account closure request or allowing a frozen account to be used can violate GRAI rules and may result in disciplinary action.

Further, if an online gambling account remains inactive for 13 consecutive months, GRAI rules state that the operator must close the account automatically. These rules give players clearer rights and help ensure that companies meet their responsibilities.

How to Check a Betting Site Is Licensed

To inspect a betting site, players can look at the website footer or terms and conditions for information about GRAI licensing. Licensed sites should clearly state their GRAI licence number. Players should always ask three simple questions: Can a personal limit be set? Does the site refuse credit cards? Has ID been checked before betting is allowed?

If there are concerns about a betting site, players do not have to ignore them and can raise a complaint with GRAI. Issues involving payments, account access, licence information, or responsible gambling measures can be reported for review. Players should also make sure that the devices used to access their accounts are regularly updated and protected with current antivirus software and other available security features.

What the New Law Covers  

The 1 July change to the law only covers remote betting, as applications for online casinos, lotteries, and other licences will open throughout 2027 and 2028. Retail betting shops will be subject to new licensing requirements from 1 December 2026. While awaiting the implementation of such provisions, players must remember to always check the licence first. 

Claims made in marketing material are simply not enough to prove a betting site is safe. Ireland now has a world-class system that gives us better protection and a clear way to know who is legally allowed to operate.

SP