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Ireland is at a pivotal point in its approach to gambling oversight. With the recent publication of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland’s (GRAI) first public consultation report, it is clear that sweeping regulatory change is no longer on the horizon — it is actively underway.
The Public Consultation Response Report released by GRAI in May 2025 sheds light on how the regulator is preparing to implement the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, and what this will mean for both casino operators and Irish players in the months and years ahead.
This post breaks down the findings of the consultation, the regulatory direction being signalled, and the real-world impact the proposed framework will have on Ireland’s gambling environment.
Public Consultation Response Report, Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, May 2025
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Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) cover
A Turning Point for Gambling Regulation in Ireland
Until recently, Ireland’s gambling legislation was fragmented and outdated, lacking the modern oversight frameworks seen across much of Europe. The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 and the establishment of GRAI aim to change that — introducing a centralised licensing regime, stronger player protections, and a new regulatory culture.
The public consultation, held in April–May 2025, focused on three key regulatory mechanisms:
- Application Fees (Section 38 of the Act)
- Licence Duration (Section 108)
- Additional Licence Conditions (Section 129)
While only 27 submissions were received, the feedback came primarily from within the gambling industry — a fact that shaped much of the report's thematic findings.
1. Application Fees: Pressure to Reform Before It Begins
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the most contentious topic was the application fee structure. Operators raised strong objections to the proposed use of “turnover” as the basis for calculating fees — citing lack of clarity, concerns over fairness, and fears of unsustainable costs for smaller operators.
Key Concerns:
- The definition of “turnover” varies between legislation and standard industry usage.
- Smaller operators could be disproportionately impacted, threatening viability and market diversity.
- The proposed remote licence fee (€20,000 minimum) is significantly higher than in the UK.
- A flat €1,200 fee per premises may unfairly penalise small local businesses.
Industry Suggestions:
- Shift to a tiered system based on Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) — widely recognised as a fairer metric.
- Offer scalable fees to encourage market entry from start-ups and niche providers.
- Provide greater transparency and clarity on definitions and fee calculation methods.
For casino operators, especially land-based venues in Ireland’s regions, this could be a critical issue. Without fee relief or scaling, the current model risks favouring large, well-capitalised remote operators — potentially reducing local economic activity and job creation.
2. Licence Duration: Push for Longer-Term Certainty
GRAI’s proposal for a 3-year licence term drew a mixed response. While some operators saw this as a reasonable starting point, the majority — especially those with compliance infrastructure already in place — advocated for 5-year or longer durations.
Why It Matters:
- Short licence cycles increase administrative burden and compliance costs.
- Longer durations offer greater business stability and allow for better planning.
- Several European regulators already use 5–10 year terms, and the UK is moving away from fixed-term licences entirely.
For operators, particularly those investing in responsible gambling systems or Irish-specific infrastructure, longer licences offer the predictability needed to justify significant capital investment. For the regulator, linking longer licences to compliance history could be a powerful incentive for good governance.
3. Additional Licence Conditions: Protecting Players, But at What Cost?
The third pillar of the consultation explored additional conditions to be attached to licences — especially those aimed at consumer protection, responsible gambling, and data security.
The response was broadly supportive, even among operators. There is a clear recognition that tighter standards can benefit the market by protecting players and maintaining public trust.
However, multiple respondents flagged the need for early engagement and clear guidance to ensure compliance is practical, particularly for smaller businesses.
Key Operator Concerns:
- Compliance costs, when added to high licence fees, could be unsustainable.
- Lack of published standards makes it hard to prepare for upcoming obligations.
- Mandatory staking or deposit limits could alienate responsible players and reduce competitiveness.
Suggestions from the Industry:
- Stakeholder collaboration is essential before standards are finalised.
- Publish technical standards and licence conditions before the application window opens.
- Take a risk-based approach to enforcement — not all operators pose the same level of harm.
Notably, several stakeholders outside the industry emphasised the need for public health integration, strong exclusion mechanisms, and clear enforcement around crypto and offshore operators.
Impact on Irish Casino Operators
For Irish-based casinos — both physical venues and remote platforms — this report signals a more structured, but potentially more expensive, regulatory environment.
The key takeaway is this: compliance will become non-negotiable, and those who fail to adapt will struggle to remain viable under GRAI's framework.
- Start-ups and small operators may need to reassess their entry strategy due to fee pressures.
- Established operators with robust safer gambling tools and compliance protocols could benefit from longer licences and improved market trust.
- Offshore and unlicensed platforms will likely face increasing enforcement and possible exclusion.
Implications for Irish Players
From the player’s perspective, these reforms are promising.
- Stronger safeguards, clearer advertising standards, and a national exclusion register (NGER) point to a safer gambling environment.
- Concerns remain, particularly around over-regulation that could push some players toward unlicensed alternatives, but this risk is balanced by GRAI’s emphasis on stakeholder engagement and proportionality.
The regulatory shift could also open the door to newer, more transparent operators entering the Irish market — particularly if fee structures are made more flexible.
Conclusion: Reform Is Coming — But It Must Be Balanced
The GRAI’s first public consultation marks the beginning of a new era for gambling in Ireland. While the proposed reforms are ambitious and overdue, their success hinges on balance — between protecting players and ensuring fair access to the market for operators of all sizes.
With the publication of this report, the groundwork is laid. What comes next — particularly how GRAI responds to the industry's feedback — will define the Irish gambling landscape for years to come.