Ireland gambling regulation will soon better protect consumers than ever before.
Ireland’s gambling overhaul over the past several years introduced a new regulator, stricter advertising rules, credit card bans, and a national self-exclusion register to curb online harm.
The changes come via the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. The enactment of the legislation has been a multi-year process, and it was still being implemented as of late 2025.
The stakes are high for Ireland.
Nearly 8% of Ireland’s entire population of 5.4 million people is either fully addicted to gambling or shows problematic gambling signs, according to the Economic and Social Research Institute of Ireland. That is approximately 410,000 Irish.
This article will break down the complex legal framework for gambling in Ireland.
Summary of New Irish Gambling Law
Irish President Michael D. Higgins signed the Gambling Regulation Bill of 2024 into law on Oct. 23, 2024. With his signature, Ireland has its most significant gambling reform in a century.
The law replaces a patchwork of older statutes with a single, public health-centered framework.
The law covers online sports, casinos, poker, and in-person gambling.
- Gambling Regulation Act 2024: Ireland’s new law, crafted in 2022, was signed in 2024 and is being implemented through commencement orders in 2025 and beyond. It creates a new regulator (GRAI) and a more modern licensing/enforcement system.
- Ad watershed: TV/radio ads banned 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with tighter online rules
- Money protections: Credit cards and other credit facilities are prohibited for gambling. The law bans ATMs at gambling premises.
- National self-exclusion: The Register will block registered users from all licensed online operators and stop marketing to them.
- Social Impact Fund: Industry-financed levy will fund treatment and prevention.
- Real teeth: Fines up to €20 million or 10% of turnover, plus potential criminal penalties.
Does Ireland Have Casinos?
Technically yes, but Ireland doesn’t have state-licensed commercial casinos like the ones you see in Las Vegas or elsewhere in Europe.
Instead, casino-style gambling runs in private members’ clubs, mostly in major cities like Dublin and Cork. You must join before playing.
However, the Ireland Gambling Regulation Act 2024 is overhauling the system. The GRAI will license online (remote) and in-person gambling.
Existing Ireland gambling regulation has long permitted online sports betting via a Remote Bookmaker’s License.
Ireland’s New Gambling Regulator
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) was officially established on March 5, 2025. The GRAI serves as the central hub for licensing, oversight, and enforcement.
The GRAI was established administratively in early 2023. The CEO Designate, Anne Marie Caulfield, was appointed in September 2022 and has been building the authority since.
The authority has been staffing up and preparing the market for license applications.
In July 2025, GRAI published Licensing Application Guidance ahead of the licensing period.
Stronger Irish Gambling Regulation
Advertising Rules Designed to Reduce Harm
A new advertising watershed prohibits gambling ads on TV/radio from 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Online operators face stricter targeting. They may only direct ads at users who actively follow the operator and have accounts. This provision is aimed at protecting children and vulnerable individuals on social media.
No More Gambling on Credit
To limit losses and impulsive spending, license holders cannot accept credit cards (including electronic payments funded by a credit card) and cannot extend credit to players.
The Irish government also banned ATMs at gambling establishments.
These Ireland gambling regulation rules apply across online betting, casino, and poker.
National Self-Exclusion Register
Ireland is building a National Gambling Exclusion Register administered by GRAI.
Once a person enrolls, all licensed remote (online) operators must block access and stop marketing for the duration of the exclusion—no account workarounds.
Operators also must honor direct self-exclusion alongside the national register.
A similar national self-exclusion list has been proposed in the United States.
Controls on Inducements & Account Tools
The Act curbs targeted inducements, such as VIP treatment and personalized free-bet offers.
Gambling platforms must also provide player-set monetary limits and other safer-gambling tools.
Still, these tools can be ineffective for many people. The so-called responsible gambling model has been criticized by gambling addiction researchers and the World Health Organization.
Irish Gambling Treatment, Education & Research
A licensed operators levy will fund a new Social Impact Fund.
Ireland’s gambling regulation will set the levy. The fund will support treatment services, public education, and independent research, ensuring that taxpayers do not bear costs.
GRAI has already sought public input on how the fund should operate.
Enforcement of Ireland Gambling Regulation
Under the Act, Ireland can impose administrative fines up to €20 million or 10% of global annual turnover (whichever is greater) and pursue criminal penalties for serious breaches.
Policymakers designed the law to change operator behavior—not just give a slap on the wrist.
What This Means for Irish Bettors
- Safer marketing: Fewer daytime ads and less aggressive personalized offers.
- Lower risk of debt spirals: The law banned credit cards, and operators can’t extend credit.
- One-click protection: If gambling is causing harm, sign up once to the national register and be blocked across all licensed online sites.
- Data restrictions: Operators can’t use player data for marketing during self-exclusion.
- Help is funded: Treatment and education to expand as Social Impact Fund ramps up.
Ireland Gambling Regulation FAQ
Is online gambling legal in Ireland under the new law?
Yes, licensed online betting, casino, and poker are legal under the new framework, with GRAI regulating operators, ads, payments, and safer-gambling standards.
Can I still make a deposit using a credit card?
No, Ireland gambling regulation bans credit cards. Operators cannot accept credit cards or provide any form of credit for gambling, including e-wallets funded by credit cards.
When will the self-exclusion register be active?
It’s statutory, and the GRAI is implementing the list. Once live, it will cover all licensed online operators. Watch GRAI updates for the official launch.
Did Ireland ban online gambling?
No, recent law changes in Ireland did not ban online betting. Unlike a country such as India, which passed an online betting ban in 2025, Ireland’s policy moves in 2025 did not install a prohibition.
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