An Order have been signed to commence key aspects of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, to allow the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) to begin issuing remote and in-person betting licences.
The signing of the commencement order, which comes into effect tomorrow Thursday, February 5th 2026, enables the Authority to start accepting and processing applications, and issuing licenses for remote and in-person betting operators. It also commences the necessary enforcement and oversight and complaints mechanisms that underpin the new licensing framework. In addition, the order commences those sections of the Act that amend and repeal existing legislation on the statute book. In particular, it will repeal the Totalisator Act 1929 and the Betting Act 1931.
The Commencement Order confers robust investigative powers to the GRAI and allows for administrative sanctions of fines of up to €20 million or 10% of a licensee’s turnover, whichever is the greater, to be imposed on licensees, where they are found to be in contravention of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024.
A number of criminal enforcement powers will be commenced, as will provisions which will allow the GRAI to apply to the Court for an order directing illegal operators to cease operations.
The order also provides for the commencement of several other key measures including:
- Prohibiting the use of credit cards as a means of payment for gambling;
- Prohibitions on allowing a child to gamble or to be employed by licensees;
- Enabling customers to set monetary limits on how much they can gamble on-line or remotely;
- Obligations on licensees to notify the Authority of suspicious gambling activity;
- Obligations on remote gambling providers to protect children online;
- Regulating the operation of online gambling accounts;
- Safeguards for account holders such as the ability of the Authority to limit the amount of money that may be lodged with a licensee; and obligations concerning the closure of accounts and refunds of monies.
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