Gambling Regulation Act 2024: What Changed for You as a Punter
Last updated: November 2026 — 18+ | Gambling Awareness Trust | 1800 753 753
Ireland's Gambling Regulation Act 2024 is the biggest overhaul of Irish gambling law in decades. GRAI began operating on 2 October 2023 and issuing remote betting licences from 1 July 2026. Here's what it practically means for Irish players.
GRAI: the new regulator
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is Ireland's first dedicated gambling regulator. Previously, online betting was overseen by Revenue Commissioners under the Betting Acts — a framework designed for high street bookmakers, not online gambling. GRAI has powers to license, monitor, and sanction gambling operators specifically.
What changed from 1 July 2026
Remote (online) betting licences began being issued by GRAI. Any bookmaker targeting Irish customers is now expected to hold a GRAI remote betting licence. The first licence issued was GRAI-0191-RB-26-0001. You can check any operator against the public GRAI register at grai.ie.
Player protection changes
The Act requires licensed operators to offer: mandatory deposit limits (you can set daily, weekly and monthly caps); self-exclusion tools linked to the upcoming national interoperable exclusion register; age verification before account creation or deposit; and access to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for complaints. These are legal obligations, not optional features.
Advertising rules
GRAI has introduced advertising watershed rules. Gambling advertising is restricted before 9pm on TV and radio. Bonus advertising is subject to new standards — no misleading terms, no targeting of vulnerable people. Operators who breach advertising rules face sanctions from GRAI.
What hasn't changed yet
Casino licences are not yet issuing — expected 2027-2028. The national interoperable exclusion register is in development. In-person betting shop licences move to GRAI from December 2026. So the full picture is still rolling out through 2026-2028.
🆕 Bet with Ireland's licensed operator — GRAI licence GRAI‑0191‑RB‑26‑0001
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Frequently Asked Questions
Gambling Regulation Act 2024: Key Changes for Punters
| Change | Effect on Punters | In Force From |
|---|---|---|
| GRAI established | New regulator for all gambling | March 2025 |
| Remote betting licences | Bookmakers must hold GRAI licence | 1 July 2026 |
| Mandatory deposit limits | All sites must offer; reductions immediate | July 2026 |
| National Self-Exclusion Register | Opt out from all licensed operators at once | Being developed |
| Advertising watershed | No gambling ads before 21:00 on TV/radio | 2024 |
| Inducement ban | No 'free bet' or 'bonus' offers in broadcast ads | 2024 |
| Age verification | Stricter checks before first deposit | July 2026 |
| Responsible gambling levies | Operators fund GRAI and research | July 2026 |
What Has NOT Changed
- Betting winnings remain tax-free for Irish punters (bookmaker pays betting duty)
- Personal sports betting is still fully legal for over-18s
- No change to minimum bet sizes or maximum stakes for individual punters
- Horse racing and other sports remain fully covered by all licensed bookmakers
What the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 Changed
| Change | Effective from |
|---|---|
| GRAI established as independent regulator | 2024 (phased) |
| Remote betting licences issued | 1 July 2026 |
| Mandatory responsible gambling tools (deposit limits, self-exclusion) | Required for GRAI licensees |
| Gambling advertising watershed (pre-watershed restriction) | Applies from 2024 for broadcast |
| National Gambling Exclusion Register | Development ongoing — not yet live November 2026 |
| Casino/gaming licences | Expected 2027–2028 |
What Hasn't Changed Yet for Irish Punters
- No casino gaming licences have been issued — online casinos still operate under MGA/UKGC licences
- The National Gambling Exclusion Register (covering all GRAI licensees) is not yet operational
- Betting winnings remain tax-free for players (betting duty paid by operators)
- Retail shop betting remains legal under existing licences pending transition to GRAI retail framework
18+ only. Gambling Awareness Trust: 1800 753 753 | gamblingcare.ie
See also: GRAI Licensed Betting Sites • Full Act Explained • GRAI Complaints • Responsible Gambling