GRAI Annual Report 2026 — Key Findings for Irish Bettors
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) published its first annual report on 30 July 2026, covering its initial period of operation since being formally established on 5 March 2025. Here is a plain-English summary of what the report revealed and what it means for Irish gamblers.
What the GRAI Annual Report 2026 Covers
The inaugural report, signed off by chairperson Paul Quinn and chief executive Anne Marie Caulfield, describes 2025 as a "formative year" spent building the systems required under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. Key topics include:
- Licensing progress and the first wave of remote betting licences
- Consumer protection framework and complaints process
- Enforcement activity against unlicensed operators
- The National Gambling Exclusion Register (self-exclusion)
- A warning about GRAI's funding shortfall
- Plans for casino licensing and black-market enforcement
Key Numbers from the Report
| Licensed remote betting operators | 32 (as of September 2026) |
| GRAI staff (mid-2026) | 40, with recruitment ongoing |
| Technology contract | €10.4m (Deloitte Ireland, Salesforce platform) |
| Operators under investigation | 100+ unlicensed operators |
| Irish Q1 2026 market size | €911.2m (gross gambling revenue) |
| European black market estimate | ~70% of betting activity, €80B+, 6,000 operators |
| Maximum fine (Gambling Regulation Act) | €20m or 10% of annual turnover |
The Funding Shortfall — What It Means
The GRAI's most significant warning in the annual report was a funding shortfall that could delay key enforcement plans. Specifically, the shortfall would force GRAI to "de-prioritise measures to tackle extraterritorial black-market monitoring on enforcement" — meaning overseas unlicensed casino and betting sites targeting Irish players would face less scrutiny than planned.
This is significant for Irish punters: a less-resourced regulator means less pressure on the 100+ unlicensed operators the GRAI is already investigating, and a slower path to casino licensing (expected 2027–2028).
Enforcement Actions Since the Report
Despite the funding warning, enforcement has begun. Since the annual report, the GRAI has:
- Pressured Stake, Polymarket and Kalshi into geo-blocking Irish users (September 2026)
- Confirmed "a number of other operators" have also closed Irish betting activities following GRAI engagement
- Encouraged Irish banks to introduce gambling blocking tools (Bank of Ireland joined AIB, EBS and Revolut)
- Activated criminal enforcement powers, including the ability to seek court orders against illegal operators
What to Expect Next from GRAI
- December 2026: In-person betting shop licences take effect (transition from Revenue Commissioners)
- 2027: GRAI expected to begin accepting applications for remote gaming (casino) licences
- 2027–2028: First casino licences anticipated, subject to funding and regulatory readiness
- Ongoing: Investigation of 100+ unlicensed operators, with further blocking actions expected
📋 See also: Full guide to GRAI licensed bookmakers in Ireland →
⚠️ Important: GRAI has not issued any casino licences — find out what this means for Irish players →
18+ only. If gambling is affecting you, contact the Gambling Awareness Trust on 1800 753 753 or visit gamblingcare.ie.