On Feb. 13, 2026, IRE GVT issued statutory instruments (StIn 37/2026) on gambling licence application fees and (StIn 38/2026) on licensing of gambling activities.
StIn 37/2026 is cited as the Gambling (Licence Application Fees) Regulations 2026.
The Gambling (Licensing of Gambling Activities) Regulations 2026 in StIn 38/2026.
Both instruments are in relation to the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 (35 of 2024).
StIn 37/2026 sets out the fees for applications of betting, and gaming licenses.
In relation to StIn 38/2026, set out the the period during which Business to Consumer gambling licences shall remain in force, which is a period of 3 years from issue date.
Both StIn 37/2026 and StIn 38/2026 were signed via Official Seal of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland on Feb. 9, 2026.
Minister of State at the Department of Justice with responsibility for Law Reform, James Browne TD, welcomed passage of the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 through both Houses of IRE PRL, to streamline, to strengthen and to modernize regulation.
The legislation sets out framework and legislative basis for the establishment of a new, independent statutory body UdarAs Rialala Cearrbhachais na hEireann, (the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland), a modern, robust licensing and regulatory framework.
The Bill provides for establishment and operation of the National Gambling Exclusion Register and introduces tight restrictions on the advertisement of gambling activities.
It also provides for the creation of a Social Impact Fund to support awareness–raising and the educational measures and to support problem gambling treatment activities.
The Bill includes a wide-ranging power to allow the GRAI to prescribe the times, place and events where gambling advertising can be broadcast, displayed or published, and allows it to specify frequency which advertising can be broadcast, the advert duration.
This power will allow the GRAI to address gambling advertising on social media, online and on traditional media like television, radio, websites, apps, in print, and outdoors.
With regard to black market operators, the Bill contains a suite of measures to address illegal or criminal gambling activity and includes explicit prohibitions on illegal activity or practices, some of which could result in significant custodial sentences for breaches.
Once the Bill is enacted, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) will be established with a seven-person authority, to take control of the Authority's activities.
A Program Board has been established in the Department of Justice to ensure that the legislation and operational preparations are progressed in parallel, allowing GRAI to commence operation on a phased basis, as soon as possible after it is now fully set up.
Ms Anne Marie Caulfield has been appointed to role of CEO Designate of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland and has been progressing important preparatory work.
Comment
Minister of State Browne commented this provides for new streamlined, simplified and coherent licensing framework, reflecting nature of gambling in modern society and addressing proliferation of digital gambling activities and advertising in recent years.
At its core, legislation is a public health measure aimed at protecting our citizens from gambling harm, including young people and those more vulnerable in communities.
Ms Caulfield commented the passage of the Gambling Regulation Bill is an important milestone towards establishing the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland which will ensure a well-regulated gambling sector while protecting public from gambling harms.
Oct. 23, 2024 Bill Signed Into Law
On Oct. 23, 2024, IRE GVT published confirmation that the Bill has been signed into Law by the Irish President, to set up a new Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland.
Document dated Oct. 23, 2024, received from IRE GVT Nov. 4, summarized on Nov. 7.
The new Law may now be cited as the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 (Law 35/2024).
The Authority is being set up for purposes of licensing and regulating betting, gaming, certain lotteries and the sale or supply of products or services related to gambling.
Legislation provides for funding of Authority via imposition of licensees fees to provide for the establishment and maintenance of register of those holding gambling licences.
Legislation repealed Totalisator Act 1929, Betting Act 1931, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956, certain statutory instruments, and the consequential amendment of other laws.
This Act, other than S. 227, comes into operation on such day/days as Minister may by order/orders appoint either generally or with reference to any particular purpose or provision; different days may be so appointed for different purposes, different provisions, and for repeal/revocation of provisions of enactments effected by S. 9.
Mar. 4, 2025 Gambling Authority Established
On Mar. 4, 2025, IRE GVT signed the order to start parts of Gambling Regulation Act 2024 for statutory establishment of Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI).
Enables GRAI to become operational; is responsible for regulating/licensing gambling providers, with powers to regulate in-person/online gambling, gaming, most lotteries.
Also approved appointment of 7 members to commence their roles from Mar. 5, 2025.
Mar. 7, 2025 Commencement Order and Establishment Day
On Mar. 7, 2025, IRE GVT issued Gambling regulation act 2024 (commencement) order 2025 (StIn 57/2025); some provisions come into operation on Mar. 5, 2025.
Includes Pt 1, other than ss 6, 10; Ch 1 of Pt 2, other than paras (a) to (l) of s. 15(1); Ch 2 of Pt 2, other than ss (2)-(6) of s.40, s. 41, s. 42; Pt 3; Ch 3 of Pt 4.
On the same day, published the Gambling regulation act 2024 (establishment day) order 2025 (StIn 58/2025) which appoints Mar. 5, 2025 as the establishment day.
Mar. 21, 2025 Amendments
On Mar. 21, 2025, IRE GVT announced the publication of the Gambling regulation act 2024 (commencement) (no. 2) order 2025 (StIn 78/2025).
Article 2 of the Gambling regulation act 2024 (commencement) order 2025 (StIn 57/2025) is amended by the insertion of 2025 after March.
Feb. 2026 Licensing Order Signed
On Feb. 3, 2026, IRE GVT announced Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, signed order to start key aspects of Gambling Regulation Act 2024 to allow the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), to issue betting licences.
The signing of the commencement order, which comes into effect on Thursday, Feb. 5 2026, enables the GRAI to start accepting and processing initial applications, as well as issuing licenses for both remote and in-person betting operators, as prescribed in law.
It also commences necessary enforcement and oversight and complaints mechanisms that underpin the new licensing framework, and, the order also commences those sections of the Act that amend and repeal any existing legislation on the statute book.
In particular, the new order will repeal the Totalisator Act 1929 and Betting Act 1931.
The Commencement Order confers robust investigative powers to GRAI and allows for penalties of up to €20 million or 10% of a licensee’s turnover, whichever is greater, to be imposed, if they are deemed in contravention of Gambling Regulation Act 2024.
Minister O’Callaghan commented today marks an important step to replace Ireland’s outdated gambling laws with both a streamlined and simplified licensing framework.
This reflects nature of modern gambling and takes into account harms associated with problem gambling, and providing safeguards to protect people, especially children.
The Authority can issue licences for new entrants as soon as is feasible, licence remote operators from Jul. 1, 2026 and in-person operators from Dec. 1, 2026, when their existing licences, previously issued by Office of the Revenue Commissioners, expire.
The Act provides GRAI with necessary enforcement powers to take appropriate and focused action where licensees fail to comply with terms, conditions and regulations, and to deal with unlicensed operators or those operating without the correct licence.
Also those that are in contravention of the terms of a licence issued by the Authority.
Feb. 10, 2026 Statutory Instrument Published
On Feb. 10, 2026, IRE GVT issued statutory instrument (StIn 31/2026), Gambling Regulation Act 2024 (Commencement) Order 2026, activating specific provisions.
Specifically, provisions of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 (No. 35 of 2024) shall come into operation, including major parts with regard to regulatory and licensing.
Also, among other things, compliance, enforcement, AML, and consumer protection.
IRE GVT Minister set Feb. 5, 2026 as the effective date for the provisions in the order.
Feb. 13, 2026 Licensing, Fees StIns Published
On Feb. 13, 2026, IRE GVT issued statutory instruments (StIn 37/2026) on gambling licence application fees and (StIn 38/2026) on licensing of gambling activities.
StIn 37/2026 is cited as the Gambling (Licence Application Fees) Regulations 2026.
The Gambling (Licensing of Gambling Activities) Regulations 2026 in StIn 38/2026.
Both instruments are in relation to the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 (35 of 2024).
StIn 37/2026 sets out the fees for applications of betting, and gaming licenses.
In relation to StIn 38/2026, set out the the period during which Business to Consumer gambling licences shall remain in force, which is a period of 3 years from issue date.
Both StIn 37/2026 and StIn 38/2026 were signed via Official Seal of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland on Feb. 9, 2026.
