Irish gambling operators can apply for licence from Thursday under new legislation

Justice minister Jim O’Callaghan signed a commencement order this week to begin important parts of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 that allows the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland to start issuing licences, along with criminal enforcement powers.

The long-awaited licensing regime for gambling operators in Ireland opens for applications on Thursday, as the regulator has been granted powers to issue heavy fines to companies that flout its rules.

Furthermore, the regulator will also conduct “boots-on-the-ground" assessments of gambling premises as part of the licensing process, including a venue’s proximity to schools and ATMs.