Full GRAI licensing application guidelines published – Casinoplusbonus covers the key points and an FAQ to help you understand the process.
As the Irish gambling industry gears up for domestic licensing applications for online gambling, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland has published its application guidelines.
For now, the current document published is for B2C businesses only, and it applies to online and in-person (land-based venues).
B2B licensing certificates for software providers, aggregators, and sports data suppliers will be introduced later.
At the same time, companies like 888 (Evoke), which already hold licensing certificates with Ireland’s existing Revenue Commissioners, can continue to renew under the review of the District Courts and An Garda Síochána until the application process for the new GRAI licensing certificates open sometime later in 2025.
Gambling Regulation Act 2024
The newly published licensing guidelines have been produced under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, following a fast-paced consultation process since Ireland opened its public consultation on licensing in April 2025.
Operators interested in gaining a domestic licensing certificate now have a clear path set out.
Published late in the week, I am sure decision makers from big brand names like 888, Flutter, Rootz and Entain will have a memo on their desk come Monday morning to start preparing their GRAI licensing application.
Prior to the publication of the recent GRAI licensing guidelines, on Thursday, 10 July 2025, we had a sneak peek of what was to come, as the regulatory body had issued a news report confirming that, following consultations, the decision was made to initiate the issuance of 3-year licensing certificates.
Key Points to Note
As the Casinoplusbonus team has a vested interest in the new licensing framework coming to Ireland, we took a close look at the GRAI licensing application guidelines PDF.
- The seven-step application process includes: Notice of Intention → Document Prep → Submission → Review → Premises Suitability (if applicable) → Decision → Post-licence obligations.
- Land-based Venue Inspections: On-site operators will undergo premises inspections by GRAI officials to assess regulatory compliance.
- Tiered Application Fees: Application fees are tiered based on business turnover and are non-refundable.
- Beneficial Owner Accountability: Operators must disclose beneficial owners, officers, and any past regulatory or criminal actions.
- Player & Financial Safety: Applicants must demonstrate AML, KYC, responsible gambling, and continuity policies.
- Post-Licensing Disclosure: Changes post-licensing (ownership, finances, offences) must be disclosed to GRAI or risk licence revocation.
- 28-day Public Notice Requirement: Applicants must publish their intent before applying.
Existing Irish Licensing Certificates: Existing licences under the Betting Act 1931 and Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 remain valid for one year via the Revenue Commissioners.
Quick Recap – FAQ of what we know so far…
Just to make the current announcement clearer for those interested in the development of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, I’ve put together an FAQ to make the release of the Irish Licensing Guidelines clearer.
Which gaming companies are covered by the latest GRAI Licensing Guidelines?
According to the official news report published by the GRAI “The initial focus is on opening for certain Business-to-Consumer licence applications. Applications for Business-to-Business gambling licences and licences for charitable and philanthropic purposes will be accepted at a later stage”.
When did the GRAI officially publish its licensing application guidelines?
On 10 July 2025, the new FRAI licensing application guidelines were published on the official grai.ie news columns of the Irish regulator’s official website.
Can operators begin to apply for a GRAI licensing certificate?
No. Currently, the currency publication serves as the official guideline for B2C (casino operators).
When can operators begin applying for a GRAI licensing certificate?
According to the official GRAI news report, the licensing authority will begin to accept in-person and online gambling applications later in the year. No specific dates have been provided.
Will the licensing authority include cryptocurrency gaming?
At this point, the answer is no. There is no mention of crypto gambling regulations. Although Ireland is a crypto-friendly and tech-savvy country, we haven’t rules out the possibility just yet.
Can I legally continue to gamble using crypto after the GRAi licensing is active?
Yes. Overseas sites are not banned. And like many other countries, such as the UK and Australia, it is not illegal for you to join an overseas gambling site. However, we urge you to be careful, as you are not covered by your domestic gambling laws.
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