Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland: what its licences cover
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland now licenses remote betting. See what its licences cover and which brands hold one, plus free demos and League of Ireland scores.
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Play safelyGambling in Ireland at a glance
Since 1 July 2026, remote betting in Ireland needs a licence from the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI); gaming licences, which will cover online casinos, open for applications during 2027 and 2028.
- Legal age
- 18+
- Online casino licences
- Not issued yet: applications open 2027–28
- Brands checked
- 27 (casino 26, betting 24, poker 4)
- Free help
- GamblingCare 1800 936 725
Sources checked 18 October 2026
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How we check GRAI and operator sources
We make the source, location and limits clear, so you can understand what you are looking at.
How we workOfficial records, visible dates
See where a fact came from and when it was checked.
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Check the company and product terms behind each Irish-facing brand.
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Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland licences by product
Remote betting licences issued by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) commenced on 1 July 2026. Applications for gaming licences, which will cover online casinos, open during 2027 and 2028. A familiar name can operate sports, casino and poker through different companies. Check the exact product and current terms. Our directory links to those primary sources and does not treat a betting licence as authorisation for every product.
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Is gambling legal in Ireland?
Yes, with the right licence. Remote betting needs a GRAI licence since 1 July 2026, and operating without a betting licence is a criminal offence. Gaming licences, which will cover online casinos, open for applications during 2027 and 2028.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland license?
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) issues remote betting licences, which commenced on 1 July 2026. Applications for gaming licences, which will cover online casinos, open during 2027 and 2028. A betting licence should not be treated as authorisation for every product, because one familiar name can run sports, casino and poker through different companies. Check the exact product and current terms.
Is online gambling legal in Ireland?
Yes, with the right licence: remote betting in Ireland has needed a GRAI licence since 1 July 2026. Operating without a betting licence is a criminal offence. Gaming licences, which will cover online casinos, open for applications during 2027 and 2028, so an Irish betting licence is not a casino licence. Gambling services in Ireland are for adults aged 18 and over.
Is it a criminal offence to take bets in Ireland without a GRAI licence?
Yes. Since 1 July 2026, operating remote betting in Ireland without a betting licence is a criminal offence, and that licence is issued by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). It applies to bookmakers taking bets online or by phone. Revenue’s current guidance directs remote-bookmaker licensing to GRAI, so an old register should not be relied on alone.
Where can I check if an operator holds a GRAI licence?
The primary source for any Irish licence question is the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, through its operator portal. CasinoPlanet’s Ireland pages were checked against it on 18 October 2026. Match the exact company and product to the licence, because the legal company behind casino games can differ from the sportsbook company, even within one brand.
Is CasinoPlanet a casino?
No. CasinoPlanet is a guide to gambling rules, licensed operators and free demo games. There is no CasinoPlanet account, login or app, and we do not take deposits, offer bonuses or pay out winnings. For a question about an account, a bonus or a withdrawal, contact the operator you play with directly.
Sources and verification
Checked on 18 October 2026. For any licence question, the primary source is the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland.