The end of 2024 brought significant changes for Ireland as President Michael D. Higgins signed the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 into law.

Of course, this replaced the outdated gambling regime in place, and the new act considered the modernisation of gambling. This act brought a new watchdog in the form of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), which began its duties in March 2025. While the GRAI has been successful thus far, there has been much feedback from the public. The gambling authority has surprised with a pragmatic approach, actively taking industry feedback into account. 

The High Stakes of Licensing: Industry Voices Heard

A large part of this new act required gambling operators to obtain a specific license for the type of services they offer. Gaming operators will need a separate license from the national lotteries or gambling for charity. However, operators with the relevant licensing when the act was officially established can hold onto it until expiry. Following this, operators would need to apply for renewal with the GRAI. Additionally, the new authority also proposed a licensing fee structure wherein a certain amount of revenue would be taxed from operators per annum. 

While this seems like a good idea in theory, the public did not agree with this approach. A good example of this could be a smaller-scale operator offering fish gambling games as their main gambling experience. iGaming expert Wilna van Wyk further elaborates on this genre, describing it as a popular one that allows players to use lasers or nets or shoot to catch fish and win prizes. As a result, operators who solely rely on such a niche or specialised model could experience a disconnect between fees and actual revenue earned. 

However, these concerns were well received by the GRAI, with the authority showcasing a willingness to overturn its initial turnover-based fee system. Instead, the regulatory body proposed a tiered licensing fee model depending on an operator's Gross Gambling Yield (GGY). Even more, the GRAI proposed a premises fee that would be calculated based on the scale of land-based operators (e.g, the number of game machines on-site, or business size). This accommodating approach highlights the positive impact the GRAI will have on the landscape of gambling within Ireland moving forward.

The Long Haul: Licence Durations and Business Certainty

Another point of contention was the 3-year licensing term the GRAI had put in place, wherein gambling operators and stakeholders alike disagreed. Many agreed that a 3-year licensing term would make for administrative burdens heavier, while also misaligning with other European markets. Other countries such as Germany, France, Belgium, and Greece, all have licensure terms starting at a minimum of five years. 

Compared to international norms, there would be a massive gap in the duration and process of licensure, as many exceed five years. An additional concern lies in the significant investment operators put into their technological advancements and staff expansion, fearing an impact on foot traffic spend. If an operator were to allocate sums of money for 3 years and cannot obtain renewal, what becomes of their investment? 

A Look Across the Pond: Ireland in the European Context

Further exploring the state of other European regulators helps significantly to better understand the evolving landscape of Irish gambling regulations. The UK has recently seen a change in its gambling regulations, with new requirements for operators. A great instance of this is the annual licensing fee that the UKGC will begin taxing from gambling operators after they reach a certain GYC. When compared to the amended fees system proposed by the GRAI, there seems to be a similar trend in terms of deductions based on earnings. 

Another good example is the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), where operators pay an application fee and an annual licensing fee. While there seems to be a standard pattern across the board, the Irish gambling framework has a more full-bodied design. The goal is to address unique Irish needs and ensure that while consumers are protected, they also have a say in these key decisions. However, seeing how GRAI will navigate the upcoming TRIS (Technical Regulation Information System) notification will be interesting. This will be sent out by the European Commission to enforce alignment. 

What Lies Ahead: Key Milestones and the Path Forward

While these are some of the changes the GRAI has begun implementing based on public opinion, there are still more to come. The regulatory body is committed to stakeholder engagement, transparency, and consumer needs. As a result, more collaboration is expected between 2025 and 2027 as the GRAI rolls out licensing regulations for:

●      The online and land-based B2C betting applications

●      Online gaming

●      Other license types (B2B, charity, lottery, etc)

Beyond licensing and documentation guides, the GRAI's approach is made up of key focus areas, including:

●      Revisiting the current fee structure to explore tiered models instead

●      Reviewing 5-year terms for licensing requirements

●      Enhanced Consumer Protections through advertising restrictions and the Social Impact Fund

●      Building partnerships with international regulators