Is Online Gambling Legal in Ireland? Gambling Regulation Act 2024 Explained

In our newest legal guide, you will learn exactly whether online gambling is legal in Ireland. You will find out about the GRAI, the offshore casino’s status and more. Read on and learn!

• Is Online Gambling Legal in Ireland? (Yes – Here’s the New Framework)
• Ireland’s Legal Framework Before 2024: The Unregulated Era
• Gambling Regulation Act 2024: What It Changes
• GRAI: Ireland’s New Gambling Regulator
• What’s Legal Now vs What Will Be Legal
• Your Legal Rights Under Act 2024
• Gambling Winnings Tax in Ireland
• Age Requirement: 18+ Strictly Enforced
• How to Verify Casino Is GRAI-Licensed
• Offshore vs GRAI-Licensed: What’s the Difference?
• Summary: Ireland’s Gambling Legal Framework

Is Online Gambling Legal in Ireland? (Yes – Here’s the New Framework)

Online gambling is very legal in Ireland because on October 23, 2024, the Oireachtas, which is the Irish Parliament, passed the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 that created the first Irish comprehensive modern gambling regulatory framework [1]. Keep in mind that this Act made possible the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, GRAI on March 5, 2025. From this moment it begins the licensing moment for online casinos, sports betting and gaming operators, and the time frame is 2026-2027 [2].

What’s Changing?

Basically, Ireland is going through a necessary transition from decades of outdated gambling laws such as the Betting Act 1931 and the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956. But these Acts never addressed online gambling. But this time, GRAI has seen the light in Ireland, so now it’s time for a modern national licensing regime.

Keep in mind that before 2024, you could play in Ireland only at online casinos available in the “grey area”. These were not illegal, but the level of security and regulation was almost non-existent. However, in 2026, iGaming operators must get GRAI licences to legally serve Irish players.

For Irish Players: It’s totally legal to play at offshore casinos licensed by the UKGC or MGA in 2026. Still, these operators are 100% transitioning to GRAI licensing throughout 2026-2027. This is top-tier news because, once licensed, they’ll have Irish regulatory oversight, which means strong consumer protection and dispute resolution, thanks to GRAI.

Disclaimer: This article provides educational information about Irish gambling law under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 and GRAI licensing framework as of January 2026. This is not legal advice. Regulations are being implemented in phases through 2026-2027. For specific guidance, consult GRAI or qualified solicitor.

Ireland’s Legal Framework Before 2024: The Unregulated Era

So, until the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 the gambling laws were outdated, dating to 1931-1956. But these were designed for brick-and-mortar casinos, betting shops or bingo halls. This means that online casinos were totally unregulated.

The Old Laws (1931-2024)

• Betting Act 1931: Regulated land-based bookmakers who accepted bets on horse racing and sports. Bookmakers had to obtain a licence from the Revenue Commissioners. No provisions for online gambling, as the internet was nonexistent in 1931 [3].
• Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956: Regulated land-based gaming and lotteries. Prohibited casino games from taking place except on licensed premises. No provisions for online gambling [3].
• Betting (Amendment) Act 2015: Amended the 1931 Act by accepting the existence of online gambling by offshore bookmakers. Offshore bookmakers could obtain a “remote bookmaker’s licence” from the Revenue Commissioners. This licence only allowed bookmakers to accept bets on sports and not online casino games. No regulation, no consumer protection measures, and no responsible gambling provisions [3].

Online casinos were completely unregulated. No legislation existed to legalise online casinos, nor was there any legislation prohibiting it. Offshore online casinos, licensed by the UKGC and MGA, operated freely with no regulation from Ireland.

Why Ireland Needed New Framework

So, there was a 2015 Amendment, but the goal was somehow limited because it focused only on sports betting with minimal standards, which left massive gaps in the whole industry of gambling. For example, the online casino landscape grew without Irish regulation, and there was no player protection at all since there was a lack of responsible gambling tools; moreover, the Irish dispute resolution was very weak, and there was no control on advertising. On top of that, the standards for age verification were nonexistent.

Let’s see the problems:

• Unlicensed casinos that marketed freely in Ireland without restriction
• Zero consumer protection
• The rise of irresponsible gambling without the tools to fix it
• Offshore casinos didn’t have to pay taxes to Ireland
• Low age-verification enforcement

Political Pressure: Many public health advocates, consumer protection groups, etc., pushed for intensive regulation. So, after years of debate, Gambling Regulation Act 2024 passed.

Gambling Regulation Act 2024: What It Changes

As we saw, the Act 2024 is the most important and massive gambling legislation in Ireland in 93 years because it replaced the 1931-1956 framework entirely with a modern system that encompasses everything.

Let’s see what it’s all about:

Key Provisions Breakdown

GRAI: Ireland’s New Gambling Regulator

Keep in mind that the GRAI officially began operations on March 5, 2025. Let’s see its structure:

• It’s an independent authority under the Department of Justice
• However, GRAI is self-financed via licence fees
• The minister of justice select the Board of directors
• Anne Marie Caulfield is the CEO
• Their HQ is in Dublin

GRAI’s Duty

• It offers licences and regulates gambling
• Another duty is to safeguard the children and vulnerable individuals
• Maintains the gambling to a fair and transparent road
• It prevents harmful marketing
• GRAI handles the National Gambling Exclusion Register.
• They research problematic gambling
• It conducts frequent audits and inspections, and they give penalties

Keep in mind that there are 3 licensing phases, and they’ll happen in 2026-2027. The first one in early 2026 is to cover remote sports betting. The 2nd phase, which is in mid-2026, will cover online casinos. The last phase, probably in 2027, will cover those B2B licences and brick-and-mortar operations.

What’s Legal Now vs What Will Be Legal

Let’s see what’s legal NOW and what will be legal after the transition.

For example, the reality in 2026 is that you, as an Irish player, can easily access offshore casinos such as Bet365, LeoVegas, or 888. However, these online casinos must apply for GRAI licences in 2026. If they don’t do this action, they will be illegal.

Your Legal Rights Under Act 2024

Under the Gambling Regulation Act 2025, Irish players have specific rights and protections that were non-existent before.

Right to Licensed, Regulated Gambling

You will have the right to gamble only at GRAI-licensed casinos. Keep in mind that unlicensed operators will break the law if the GRAI isn’t available. Still, only they as operators will be prosecuted, not you as a player, so don’t worry. Thanks to GRAI’s infrastructure, you will be able to access their site to verify the legal status of the casino you are about to play at.

Right to Responsible Gambling Tools

Thanks to GRAI, the operators must offer the right tools for responsible gambling, such as the following:

1. Deposit limits
2. Limit on how much you can lose
3. Session time limits
4. Reality check
5. You will have the chance to auto-test yourself
6. Account history
7. Self-exclusion

Right to National Self-Exclusion

The National Gambling Exclusion Register (Part 2, Chapter 3 of Act 2024) is Ireland’s strongest player protection. [1]

• How it works: Your name goes into the national database after you register once with GRAI. All GRAI-licensed operators, both online and land-based, will check the database to ensure you are blocked from gambling. Your registration blocks the entire licensed gambling sector.
• Durations: Minimum 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, Lifetime (player chooses).
• Enforcement: Licensed operators allowing the self-excluded individual to gamble shall be subject to GRAI’s penalty processes, which include fining
• vs Other countries: Ireland’s system is similar to the UK’s GAMSTOP (national self-exclusion) and exceeds the casino-only level of responsible gambling implemented by Ontario. It’s the gold standard for responsible player protection involving blocking across all licensed gambling platforms.

Right to Dispute Resolution

For example, if the casino with a GRAI licence doesn’t give you the money you have earned during gameplay, or if its violates the T&Cs, this is what you can do:

• Discuss with the casino first
• If you are not satisfied with the response of the casino, file complaint with GRAI
• GRAI will investigate and enforce the law.
• They can order the casino to pay; they can fine the operator or revoke the licence.

However, GRAI complains process details are still in the finalisation process. Still, from our experience with the UKGC, we know that you can wait 30-90 days or 2 days to 6 months in Ontario, so you should expect something in between.

Right to Data Privacy (GDPR)

Ireland is an EU member: GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) applies to all casinos serving Irish players.

What are your GDPR rights?

• You will know what data the casino will collect
• You have the right to access your data.
• You can fix inaccurate data
• You have the right to be forgotten
• You can transfer data to another casino
• Right to object to processing
• IF there are data breaches, you have the right know

Gambling Winnings Tax in Ireland

Are gambling winnings taxable in Ireland?

No, for most players. Gambling winnings in Ireland are tax free for recreational players. The Revenue Commissioners treat gambling winnings as not being taxable to the player.

Exception – Professional Gamblers: If your primary source of income is through gambling (you’re a Professional Poker Player, make a living from Sports Betting, etc.), the Revenue might classify your winnings into the taxable income category.

For 99% of Irish players: Casino winnings, sports betting profits, lottery prizes are tax-free. No reporting to Revenue needed.

Age Requirement: 18+ Strictly Enforced

Legal age to gamble in Ireland: 18 years (no regional variations as in the case of Canada) [1].

What Act 2024 requires:

• Need to ensure the age before gambling (need photo identification)
• No advertising to those below 18 years of age
• No employment of children in gambling operations
• Penalties imposed on the operator who permitted underage gamblers to gamble: a fine up to €300,000

Enforcement: GRAI monitors compliance with age verification requirements. Random audits and mystery shoppers, as well as investigation of complaints,

How to Verify Casino Is GRAI-Licensed

After the GRAI licensing is fully enforced, in late 2026-2027, you must verify casino legitimacy. This is a critical step. Let’s see how to do it:

Step 1: Check Casino Website Footer

• Look if the “Licensed by GRAI” is available.
• The logo must be there
• The licence number also needs to be visible

Step 2: Verify on GRAI Register

• Go to official website
• Search for “Register of Gambling Licences”.
• Confirm the name of the casino and the number should match, too

Step 3: Check the Type of the Licence

• B2C: Business to Consumer; this means the casino is available for Irish players
• B2B: Business to Business; this means supplier only and not player focused

Red Flags:

• If the casino claims it is “Irish licensed” and you cannot find it on GRAI means fake claims.
• If there’s no GRAI logo or number, this means that it is unlicensed and illegal.
• If the licence number do not match with the GRAI database, then it is fraudulent

Offshore vs GRAI-Licensed: What’s the Difference?

When the transition happens (2026-2027), you can choose between offshore casinos and GRAI-licensed ones. Let’s see some differences:

After the transition, you won’t be able to play at offshore casinos because they’ll be blocked via IP.

Summary: Ireland’s Gambling Legal Framework

Online gambling is legal in Ireland pursuant to the legal framework of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, which was passed in October 2024

1. GRAI, established in March 2025: first gambling regulator launched in Ireland
2. Phased Licensing 2026-2027: Operators currently applying for a licence to offer GRAI
3. Transition period: Offshore casinos are legal; must obtain a GRAI licence by late 2026-2027
4. National self-exclusion: Universal blocking of all licensed gambling (highest level of protection)
5. Mandatory responsible gambling features: Set deposit limits, reality checks, and self-assessments
6. Tax-free winnings: Recreational gambling winnings are not taxed
7. Age 18+ – Strictly Enforced: ID Verification Mandatory
8. GDPR protection: EU data privacy rights (stronger than non-EU countries)
9. Dispute Resolution: GRAI Complaint Process for Licensed Operators

Bottom line: Ireland has moved from being an unregulated gambling market (1931-2024 outdated laws) to a modern, comprehensive gambling regime. The GRAI licence is responsible for player protection, safe gambling, and Irish sovereignty. The transition is already underway (2026) to obtain a GRAI licence or exit the market for offshore casinos to comply by 2027.

Sources:

• Gambling Regulation Act 2024, Number 35 of 2024, Irish Statute Book
  https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/act/35/enacted/en/html
• Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), Official Website
  https://www.grai.ie/
• Lexology, “A General Introduction to Gambling Law in Ireland,” May 9, 2025
  https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=7d3ad50b-a236-4be7-8a36-c9c9c185ec84
• AGB, “Operators Urged to Prepare as Ireland Shifts to New Licensing Regime,” July 21, 2025
  https://agbrief.com/news/europe/21/07/2025/operators-urged-to-prepare-as-ireland-shifts-to-new-licensing-regime/