New Irish gambling licensing regime to launch in mid-2026
The new Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland still intends to open an application window this year.
Ireland.- After inviting expressions of interest back in March, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland has confirmed that it intends to open a window for licence applications this year. However, it says the licensed regime will not start until 2026.
Justice minister Jim O’Callaghan, responding to a parliamentary question from Kildare South Labour TD Mark Wall, said the GRAI’s new licencing regime would start in mid-2026. As reported by Ireland’s The Journal, that means the planned social impact fund will also not start up until later next year.
Wall had said that the social impact fund should start as soon as possible to invest in education, awareness, research and treatment. O’Callaghan stressed that the fund is still a “key priority” for the GRAI but requires licences to be in place.
He said licensees’ contributions to the fund will be based on a percentage of annual turnover. However, the rate has yet to be defined. He added that both public and private bodies which support people with experience of gambling harm will benefit. A consultation on the social impact fund has recently concluded.
In Britain, the new gambling levy came into effect this month. The rate operators must pay varies according to the type of gambling licence they hold.
The GRAI is expected to have a staff of 35 by the end of this year, with the number of employees to rise through 2026 and 2027 as the measures of the new Gambling Regulation Act 2024 come fully into force. That includes a ban on free bets, payment with credit cards and a watershed for gambling advertising. Gaming operators will be required to verify the identity of players with photo ID.
