The Irish online gambling market has experienced steady growth in recent years, with projections indicating further expansion.

The market generated approximately €1.24 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 2.46% from 2024 to 2029. online casinos accounted for approximately  €700 million of that impressive growth, and online sports betting contributed €332.80 million.

Regulatory developments such as the establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) will also provide a more structured and secure environment for operators and consumers, contributing to the industry’s growth. 

Busy Times Ahead for the GRAI

Ireland’s gambling regulator was formed under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 and officially came into being in March 2025. 

In the months ahead, the new regulatory watchdog will be charged with awarding all Irish gambling industry licenses except for the national lottery. It will also establish regulatory frameworks to counter money laundering and terrorism, and create an effective social impact fund capitalised by levies on the industry.

Among its other responsibilities, the regulator will set up several consultancy panels to keep abreast of best practices moving forward, including a group of industry consultants to guide the development of the market’s standards. 

GRAI CEO, Anne-Marie Caulfield, explained:

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“It is our intention to involve the industry, making them aware of where we’re coming from and the measures that are to be introduced.”

With consultation seemingly the watchword, the GRAI is expected to create several groups to assist in its decision-making process, including a “lived experience panel” - a group sharing the accounts of those who have suffered gambling-related harm.

 Stringent Licensing Requirements

According to Caulfield, the GRAI will prioritise its licensing scheme, with applications for online and on-site licenses being processed this year, followed by online gaming in early 2026.

The regulator has centred its licensing structure around three key checks, which each operator will undergo when applying. 

Operators will have to prove their technical competency to protect the data of customers and have their systems evaluated. Their financial stability will also be investigated, and they will face scrutiny of their C-suite and key decision makers. 

 Plans for the Future

The protection of children and vulnerable individuals is of primary concern, which means there will be restrictions in place on gambling advertising between 5:30 am and 9 pm.

Operators will no longer be able to target individuals or groups with enticing offers. They will also not be able to offer VIP treatment or bonuses to gamblers showing signs of excessive gambling. Social media advertising will also be restricted, and adults will have to opt in to receive marketing material.

For further protection, a national gambling exclusion register will be launched under the GRAI’s authority, which will interface with the systems of licensed operators. Over time, the eradication of the black market is set to be a key challenge for this fledgling regulator, but one that it is willing to tackle.  

Finally, the GRAI will run a campaign to educate the public about the danger of illegal operators and, following the example of other jurisdictions, will employ all means available to block illegal sites. 

These new regulatory measures will have a positive impact on the Irish online gambling market, as the gambling watchdog has adopted a holistic approach to the industry's challenges, even though it is expected to take several years to be on par with other well-established markets.