Betting Sites That Closed in Ireland in 2026
From 1 July 2026, every online betting operator serving Irish customers must hold a GRAI remote betting licence. Sites that didn't secure a licence had two choices: block Ireland or face enforcement. This page explains what happened, which sites left, and what your options are now.
Why Did Sites Close?
Ireland's Gambling Regulation Act 2024 created the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) and gave it real enforcement powers. When remote betting licences commenced on 1 July 2026, any operator taking bets from Irish customers without a licence became a criminal offence. The GRAI immediately began investigating more than 100 unlicensed operators, issuing warnings and threatening High Court blocking orders.
Most operators chose to geo-block Ireland rather than go through the licence process or face prosecution. Some were actively ordered to stop. The result: dozens of previously accessible sites are now unavailable from Irish IP addresses.
What Happened With GRAI Enforcement
The scale of enforcement was significant. The GRAI opened investigations into more than 145 websites linked to a single operator group, with two of those sites announcing closure shortly after. The regulator also moved against prediction markets, ruling they fall within the definition of remote betting intermediaries under Irish law — meaning they needed a GRAI licence to operate in Ireland.
By November 2026, the GRAI had issued 41 remote betting licences. The regulator estimates the illegal gambling market accounts for roughly 70% of European betting activity, worth over €80 billion — underlining just how large the unlicensed market was before enforcement began.
What About My Money?
The GRAI stated publicly it is working with operators that geo-blocked to ensure Irish customers receive full refunds of deposited funds. If you have money stuck on a site that blocked Ireland:
- Contact the operator's customer support directly and request a withdrawal
- If refused, contact the GRAI at grai.ie and file a complaint
- Keep records: screenshots of your balance, withdrawal requests, and any correspondence
Do not use a VPN to access a blocked site to try to withdraw — this may void your account under the operator's terms and complicate any GRAI complaint.
Prediction Markets: Polymarket & Kalshi
Both Polymarket and Kalshi restricted access for Irish users in July 2026 after the GRAI ruled prediction markets fall under its remote betting intermediary licence requirement. Neither platform applied for or holds a GRAI licence. Irish players should not use VPNs to access these platforms as this carries the same risks as any other unlicensed operator.
What Are My Options Now?
The 39 operators that hold GRAI remote betting licences are the only ones legally entitled to take online bets from Irish customers. These licensed operators must meet strict standards: age and identity verification, deposit limits, self-exclusion tools, and a ban on credit card deposits (in force since 5 February 2026).
You can verify any operator's licence status on the GRAI's public register at grai.ie. Look for the licence number displayed in the site's footer — GRAI-licensed operators are required to display it prominently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did some betting sites close in Ireland in 2026?▾
From 1 July 2026, all online betting operators serving Irish customers must hold a GRAI remote betting licence. Sites that did not apply or were not approved had to block Irish users or face enforcement action including High Court blocking orders.
Can I use a VPN to access a blocked site?▾
It carries real risk: your account can be voided, withdrawals refused, and you lose all consumer protections. The GRAI advises Irish players to only use GRAI-licensed operators.
How do I check if a site is still open to Ireland?▾
Check the GRAI's public licence register at grai.ie. Any operator with a current GRAI remote betting licence is legally open to Irish customers.
Will I get my money back from a site that closed?▾
The GRAI stated it is working with operators who geo-blocked to ensure Irish customers are refunded all deposited funds. Contact the operator's support or the GRAI directly.
Are prediction markets legal in Ireland?▾
No. Polymarket and Kalshi both restricted Ireland after GRAI ruled prediction markets fall under its remote betting intermediary licence requirement. Neither holds a GRAI licence.
18+ | Gambling can be addictive. Play responsibly. If gambling is causing problems, call the Gambling Awareness Trust helpline: 1800 753 753 or visit gamblingcare.ie. No predictions on this page are guaranteed.