After years of legislative back-and-forth, Ireland has finally introduced major reforms to its gambling laws.
Those changes mean Ireland now has a dedicated regulator to oversee the gambling industry, with a host of new regulations set to take effect through 2026.
With change afoot and a lot of information to unpack, we’ve partnered with MyBettingSites.com/ie, which keeps track of all the latest developments in the Irish betting market, to break down the key points.
The need for change
For too long, Ireland has made do with an outdated set of laws simply not fit for purpose. The new Irish Gambling Regulation Act replaces the old Betting Act of 1931 and introduces a framework in line with today’s online betting landscape.
Ireland’s growing issue with problem gambling and the need to better protect children from the dangers of gambling were also reasons for implementing a new set of rules.
It’s estimated that one in 30 adults in Ireland struggles with problem gambling. At the same time, a recent study also suggests that children exposed to gambling experiences in their childhood are more likely to suffer from problem gambling in the future.
What’s happened so far?
Since the new Irish Gambling Regulation Act was officially passed and signed into law in October 2024, we’ve seen a couple of major developments.
The first of those came in March 2025 with the establishment of Ireland’s new independent gambling regulator, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), which replaced the Revenue Commissioners and signalled the start of a new era for Ireland’s gambling sector.
More recently, the window for new license applications opened in February 2026. The new licensing system applies to both online and in-person betting, with new licenses effective from 1st July 2026. This is when existing licenses for online bookmakers, issued by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, expire.
What else is going to change exactly?
Under the new act, there will be a ban on adverts across TV platforms and radio stations between 5.30am and 9.00pm, a tightening of the rules for gambling related ads on social media and a ban on betting companies using inducements to encourage individuals to bet.
The GRAI also plans to introduce a Social Impact Fund to help tackle gambling addiction. Licensed operators will pay a mandatory levy to ensure research, education and treatment services are available for those in need.
A national gambling exclusion register, similar to what’s available in the UK, will also be introduced in Ireland. A further key change includes prohibiting the use of credit cards to deposit funds, which also follows the UK’s lead.
In addition to enforcing the new regulations, the GRAI will better monitor operators and have the power to fine companies that fail to comply up to €20 million.
The challenges that lie ahead
As is always the case when introducing a new regulatory system, bumps in the road are likely.
The biggest potential issue is that the stricter regulations placed on bookmakers push users towards unlicensed bookmakers.
There are concerns within the industry that a toning down of advertising leads to fewer betting promotions, resulting in users turning to offshore sites in search of bigger, more generous bonuses, though, it must be said, this is just speculation right now.
But when you also consider that the new rules will undoubtedly bring more verification and responsible gambling checks – resulting in more friction for users – offshore gambling sites could pose a greater problem than they do already.
Change for the bettor!
For the average punter, it may feel as if not a lot has changed so far. And, in truth, the changes highlighted are unlikely to be that noticeable for customers logging in to their betting accounts day-to-day.
As touched upon, it remains to be seen if the restrictions on advertising and marketing result in fewer sign-up offers and promotions further down the line – one to keep an eye on.
However, a stricter set of regulations and the introduction of a more visible, active regulator mean Ireland moves from a lightweight regulatory gambling market to one of the most structured and protective in Europe, ensuring that Irish customers are protected from the dangers of gambling like never before.
