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Rules checked 14 October 2026Online casinos in Ireland
and the new GRAI rules
Ireland has a new gambling regulator, the GRAI, which is licensing operators in stages. Online betting licences started on 1 July 2026; online casino licences come later. Here’s what that means for you today.
Where things stand
Is online casino legal in Ireland?
Ireland replaced laws from 1931 with the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 and set up the GRAI to license and supervise gambling. Licensing is arriving in phases.
Betting: licensed now
Since 1 July 2026, every online betting operator serving Ireland needs a GRAI remote betting licence. Who holds one?
Casino: coming next
The GRAI says gaming licences, which cover online casino, will open through 2027 and 2028. No GRAI casino licence exists yet.
Until then
Casino sites serving Irish players typically hold a licence from another European regulator, such as the Malta Gaming Authority. That licence is checkable, but the new Irish protections don’t apply to it yet.
What’s coming
GRAI licences bring a ban on credit card gambling, fines of up to €20 million and a National Gambling Exclusion Register covering every licensed operator.
Sources: GRAI, commencement of remote betting licences (30 June 2026).
Our rules for Ireland
How we choose casinos for Irish readers
Because Irish casino licences don’t exist yet, we apply a stricter test than “has a licence somewhere”.
Strict regulator only
The operator must hold a licence from a strict European regulator, such as the Malta Gaming Authority, that we can verify on that regulator’s public register. No Curaçao, Anjouan or other offshore licences.
Open about Ireland
It must accept Irish players openly, offer euro accounts, verify age and identity, and offer deposit limits and self-exclusion.
GRAI first, once it can
When the GRAI starts issuing casino licences, we will list only GRAI-licensed casinos for Ireland and remove any that don’t qualify.
We’re testing operators against these rules now; reviews will appear here as each one passes.
Unlicensed betting sites are now illegal in Ireland. Since 1 July 2026 it is a criminal offence to offer online betting in Ireland without a GRAI licence, and the GRAI has started identifying unlicensed operators. If a betting site can’t show a GRAI licence, don’t use it. See every GRAI-licensed operator →
Play safe
Protect yourself today
- Check the licence in the site’s footer and look it up on that regulator’s register.
- Set a deposit limit before your first deposit.
- Use a debit card or bank transfer. Credit card gambling is banned for GRAI licensees, and it’s a good rule everywhere.
- Turn on your bank’s gambling block if you want a hard stop. AIB, Bank of Ireland, PTSB and Revolut all offer one.
- Take a break or self-exclude if gambling stops being fun.
Getting help in Ireland
1800 936 725
GamblingCare.ie runs a free, confidential helpline, funded independently of gambling operators.
Gamblers Anonymous Ireland holds meetings across the country. Once the GRAI’s National Gambling Exclusion Register opens, one sign-up will block you from every licensed operator.
FAQ
Irish online casino questions
Is online casino legal in Ireland?
Ireland’s new regulator, the GRAI, licenses online betting since 1 July 2026, but casino (gaming) licences won’t open until 2027 to 2028. Until then, casino sites serving Ireland usually operate under another European licence, such as Malta’s.
How old do I have to be?
18 or older.
Who regulates gambling in Ireland?
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), set up under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. It took over licensing from the Revenue Commissioners.
Can I gamble online with a credit card in Ireland?
Not with a GRAI-licensed operator. Credit card gambling is banned under the new rules.
Where can I get help?
Call GamblingCare.ie free on 1800 936 725, or find a Gamblers Anonymous meeting near you.