How to Check a GRAI Licence Number: Step-by-Step Guide

Checking a GRAI licence takes under two minutes and is the most reliable way to know whether a betting site is legally operating in Ireland. This guide explains the licence number format, where to check, and the red flags that signal a fake or inactive licence claim.

Understanding the GRAI Licence Number Format

GRAI licence numbers follow a consistent format: GRAI-XXXX-RB-YY-NNNN

• GRAI — identifies the issuing regulator (Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland).
• XXXX — a four-digit reference number assigned to the licensed operator.
• RB — the licence type. Currently, all GRAI remote gambling licences are RB (Remote Betting). When casino licences are issued in future, they will carry a different type code.
• YY — the two-digit year the licence was issued. Currently-issued licences show 26 (2026).
• NNNN — a sequential licence number within that year's issuance.

Example: GRAI-0191-RB-26-0001 = operator reference 0191, remote betting licence, issued 2026, number 1 in sequence. This is our partner operator's licence, issued 16 September 2026 and valid until 15 September 2029.

Step 1: Find the Licence Number on the Site

GRAI-licensed operators are required to display their licence number prominently on their website. The standard location is the footer of every page. Look for text like:

• "Licensed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland"
• "GRAI Licence: GRAI-XXXX-RB-26-NNNN"
• The GRAI logo linked to their licence details

If a site claims to be GRAI-licensed but does not display a specific licence number, that is a red flag. All GRAI-licensed operators must display the actual number — a vague "regulated in Ireland" claim without a number does not constitute compliance.

Step 2: Verify on the Official GRAI Register

Go to grai.ie and navigate to the public licence register. This register is maintained by GRAI and is the authoritative source of which licences are active. Search by:

• Operator name — the trading name or company name of the site.
• Licence number — the number displayed on the site.

The register shows:

• The licence number and type.
• The operator's name and company details.
• The licence issue date and expiry date.
• The current status: active, suspended or revoked.

Always check the status — a licence that was once active may have been suspended or revoked since it was issued. A suspended licence means the operator cannot legally take Irish bets until the suspension is lifted.

Step 3: Check What the Licence Covers

As of November 2026, all GRAI remote gambling licences are Remote Betting (RB) licences. This means the licence covers sports betting, horse racing and similar betting activities — not casino gaming. If a site with only an RB licence offers roulette, blackjack, slots or other casino games, those games are not covered by the GRAI licence.

Casino gaming licences are expected from GRAI in 2027–2028. Until they are issued, no operator holds a GRAI-issued casino licence — any claim to the contrary should be verified on the register.

Warning Signs of a Fake or Misrepresented Licence

Unlicensed sites sometimes copy the appearance of a licensed site to seem more legitimate. Warning signs to watch for:

• A licence number that is not on the GRAI register. Always verify on grai.ie — a displayed number means nothing if it is not on the official register.
• A suspended or revoked licence. The number may be real, but the status may show it is no longer valid.
• A casino licence claim. No GRAI casino licences have been issued as of November 2026 — any site claiming a "GRAI casino licence" is making a false claim.
• No specific number, only a vague claim. Legitimate licensed sites display the full licence number, not just "licensed in Ireland."
• A licence from a different regulator misrepresented as GRAI. Licence numbers from MGA, UKGC, Curaçao or others do not start with "GRAI" — they are from different regulators.

Checking Our Partner Licence

Our recommended betting partner holds licence GRAI-0191-RB-26-0001. You can verify this on the GRAI public register at grai.ie — issued 16 September 2026, valid until 15 September 2029, covering remote betting activities. This three-year licence term is standard for GRAI remote betting licences.

Frequently Asked Questions