GRAI’s new 2025-2027 strategy sets out priorities for Ireland’s regulated gambling market. Irish players get another update on licensing timelines and what’s next.
The wait continues, but progress is clear. On 15 October 2025, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) published its Statement of Strategy for 2025-2027, marking another step forward in bringing regulated online casinos and sportsbooks to Ireland under domestic law.
For Irish players who have been following the journey, and those just catching up, the latest announcement builds on top of our previous news reports covering the inevitable, which is that the GRAI the regulator is actively building the framework that will reshape how we access online gambling in the coming years.
Where We Are Now
It is the million dollar question, and that is when is the Iriash regulatory framework officially going to open? We’ve asked the same question in every news report we’ve covered on the topic.
The GRAI officially launched as an independent, self-financing regulator in March 2025 under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. The authority operates under the remit of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration but functions independently in its regulatory decisions.
Back in July 2025, GRAI published detailed licensing application guidelines for B2C operators, both online and land-based venues. The guidelines laid out a seven-step process, tiered fee structures based on turnover, and requirements around beneficial ownership disclosure, AML compliance, and responsible gambling policies.
At the same time, the regulator confirmed plans to issue 3-year licensing certificates following public consultation. While some stakeholders felt this period was too short compared to other EU jurisdictions, GRAI maintained that the timeframe was appropriate for a newly established regulatory system.
What’s the latest? On the offcial GRAI website, which offers all the information you need to know about what’s coming for online gambler in Ireland, the latest headline the GRAI launch 2025-2027 Strategy Statement.
What the Strategy Means for Players
The GRAI’s three-year strategy document outlines six priority areas that will guide the regulator’s work through 2027. While the language may sound administrative, each area directly impacts the gambling experience for Irish players:
- Licensing: The foundation of the new system. GRAI will process and issue licensing certificates for operators wanting to serve Irish customers legally under domestic regulations.
- Monitoring and Compliance: Regular oversight to ensure licensed operators follow the rules and maintain standards.
- Enforcement: Action against operators that breach regulations or operate without proper authorisation.
- Consumer Protection and Awareness: Measures designed to protect players from gambling harm, including safer gambling tools and educational resources.
- People, Organisation, and Governance: Building the internal team and structures needed to regulate effectively.
- Digital First: A commitment to modern, digital regulatory processes that reflect how online gambling actually works.
The strategy was launched by Minister Jim O’Callaghan TD alongside GRAI Chair Paul Quinn and CEO Anne Marie Caulfield. Minister O’Callaghan stressed that the strategy focuses on education, protecting vulnerable individuals, and ensuring operators meet high standards of integrity and social responsibility.
What Still Needs to Happen
Despite the progress, applications haven’t opened yet. GRAI has stated that B2C licensing applications for online and in-person gambling will be accepted “later in 2025,” though no specific date has been confirmed. B2B licences for software providers, aggregators, and data suppliers will follow at a later stage.
Meanwhile, operators like 888 (Evoke) that hold existing certificates from Ireland’s Revenue Commissioners can continue renewing under the old system until the new GRAI licensing process officially opens.
Paul Quinn, GRAI’s Chairperson, emphasised that establishing the new licensing arrangements during this strategy period is central to reducing gambling harms and creating a well-regulated market.
Anne Marie Caulfield, the CEO, described the strategy as outlining a thorough approach to building a robust licensing regime that ensures operators consistently meet standards.
What This Means Going Forward
For Irish players, the message is clear: regulated online gambling under domestic law is coming, but patience is still required. The GRAI is building the infrastructure methodically, prioritising player protection and regulatory integrity over speed. When licensing applications do open, expect to see familiar international brands applying for Irish certificates. Companies like Flutter, Entain, and others have been watching developments closely, and many are already preparing their applications.
Once licences are issued, Irish players will have access to domestically regulated platforms with protections built into the licensing framework, including responsible gambling measures, dispute resolution mechanisms, and regulatory oversight that doesn’t exist with offshore operators. The publication of GRAI’s 2025-2027 strategy reinforces that Ireland is committed to creating a modern, player-focused regulatory environment.
For now, the roadmap is set, the priorities are clear, and the countdown to a regulated Irish online gambling market continues.
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