Updated 28 September 2026 · Gambling Soft team
Short answer: an online casino licence in Ireland is issued by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, but as of September 2026 the GRAI accepts applications only for three betting licences: Remote Betting, Remote Betting Intermediary and In-Person Betting. Remote gaming (online casino) licences come in a later phase, which industry trackers place in 2027-2028. The realistic plan today is to build and test the platform now (from $7,500 with Gambling Soft, launch in 7 business days), operate in markets where you already hold a licence, and apply in Ireland when the remote gaming window opens.
Below: who regulates, which licences exist and what is open, how the application works, what an Irish-ready platform must include, what it costs and the mistakes we see most often.
Who issues gambling licences in Ireland
The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 created a single regulator, the GRAI. It licenses all forms of gambling in the country except the National Lottery, which stays under its own regime. Before the Act, Irish gambling law was split across old betting and gaming statutes; the new system replaces that with one licensing framework, one regulator and common rules on player protection, advertising and anti-money laundering.
For an operator this means one point of contact, but also a regulator that screens applicants in depth. The GRAI has said publicly that licensing is its top priority and that applicants will be checked thoroughly on corporate structure, finances and technology.
Licence types and their status in 2026
The GRAI licences fall into business-to-consumer (B2C), business-to-business (B2B) and charitable categories. The first application window opened in 2026 and covers betting only.
| Licence | What it covers | Status, September 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Betting Licence | Online sports and event betting | Applications open (GRAI announcement) |
| Remote Betting Intermediary Licence | Betting exchanges and intermediaries | Applications open |
| In-Person Betting Licence | Betting shops | Applications open |
| Remote Gaming Licence | Online casino: slots, table and live games | Not open yet; later phase, reported for 2027-2028 |
| B2B licence | Software, gaming machines and other supply to operators | Not in the first window; check the GRAI timeline |
| Charitable / lottery licences | Fundraising lotteries and events | Later phase; existing permit system continues meanwhile |
Dates for the later phases are the regulator’s plan, not a legal deadline, and they have already moved once. Check the news page of the GRAI before you budget around a specific month.
How the Irish application process works
- Register on the GRAI Operator Portal. Applicants create an account and start the application for the licence type that is open.
- Corporate review. The regulator assesses the company structure, owners, directors and key staff.
- Financial review. Proof of funding, source of funds and financial stability of the business.
- Technical review. The gaming platform, security, data handling and operational controls are checked against the regulator’s standards.
- Compliance documents. AML and KYC procedures, responsible gambling policy, complaints handling and advertising compliance.
- Decision and conditions. A licence comes with conditions you must keep meeting, with ongoing reporting to the regulator.
Application and annual fees are set by the GRAI. We do not quote a figure here because the fee schedule depends on the licence type and scale of the business: take the current numbers from the regulator and confirm them with an Irish lawyer.
What an Irish-ready casino platform must include
The Act puts player protection at the centre, so the platform matters as much as the paperwork. Before applying, make sure your software can show:
- KYC and age verification at registration and before withdrawals, with an audit trail.
- AML controls: transaction monitoring, limits, source-of-funds checks and reporting tools in the back office.
- Responsible gambling tools: deposit and loss limits, time-outs, self-exclusion and links to a national exclusion register.
- Payment controls: the payment methods allowed for Irish players are restricted by the Act, so your cashier must let you switch methods on and off per market. See our payment solutions for casinos.
- Game integrations from providers that can supply certified content to regulated markets. See game integrations.
- Bonus and marketing controls: the Act restricts inducements and advertising, so bonus rules and promo tools must be configurable per country.
Online casino licence Ireland: costs and timeline
Two budgets matter: the Irish licence itself (GRAI fees, legal work, local compliance staff) and the platform you run on. The first depends on the regulator; the second is known in advance.
| Item | Price with Gambling Soft | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Casino Lite turnkey package | $7,500 | 7 business days |
| Ready-made casino with source code | $8,500 (Violet) to $47,500 (Velvet) | 7 business days |
| Casino + Betting Pro (sportsbook and poker modules) | $25,000 | 7 business days |
| Platform source code, your own brand | $19,000 | 7 business days |
| White Label | One third of the source-code price plus 8% of profit | 7 business days |
Full price list: online casino software pricing. All platforms come with a 12-month warranty.
Because the Irish remote gaming window is not open yet, most of our clients start in other markets. Licences we arrange together with company registration: Anjouan $28,000, Tobique $50,000, Kahnawake $60,000, Malta $70,000, Curacao $75,000. Which of them allows which target markets depends on the jurisdiction; compare them on our gambling licences page. Serving Irish players requires an Irish licence once the new regime applies to your product, so do not treat an offshore licence as a way into Ireland.
Typical mistakes operators make with Ireland
- Waiting for the licence before touching the software. The technical review is easier with a platform that already runs in production and has clean reports.
- Budgeting on rumoured fees. Figures circulating in guides are not the official schedule. Use the GRAI numbers only.
- Copying bonus mechanics from lightly regulated markets. Irish rules on inducements and advertising are strict; plan promotions per market.
- Ignoring betting. Betting licences are open now. If sports betting fits your model, a casino plus sportsbook platform lets you apply earlier and add casino later. See our betting software.
- Buying a platform without owning the code. Regulators ask detailed questions about systems; with source code you can answer them and change the platform when rules change.
How to choose a platform provider for Ireland
- Ask for a live demo of the back office: KYC, limits, self-exclusion and AML reports.
- Check that payment methods, bonuses and games can be configured per country.
- Prefer turnkey online casino software with source code if you plan a regulated market; White Label solutions are faster and cheaper but leave the code with the vendor.
- Ask about warranty, support hours and how fast the vendor ships regulatory changes.
- Plan marketing that fits Irish advertising rules; our casino promotion team works per market.
FAQ
Can I get an online casino licence in Ireland in 2026?
No. In 2026 the GRAI accepts applications for remote betting, betting intermediary and in-person betting licences. Remote gaming licences for online casinos are planned for a later phase, reported for 2027-2028.
Who regulates online gambling in Ireland?
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), created by the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. It licenses all gambling except the National Lottery.
How much does an Irish gambling licence cost?
Fees are set by the GRAI and depend on the licence type and business size. Take them from the regulator’s current schedule. The platform part is fixed: from $7,500 for Casino Lite at Gambling Soft.
What can I do while the casino licence window is closed?
Launch in another market on a licence such as Anjouan ($28,000 with company registration), prepare KYC, AML and responsible gambling processes, and consider a remote betting licence if sportsbook fits your plan.
Next step
If Ireland is on your roadmap, start with a platform that already has the compliance tools the GRAI will ask about. Request a demo or a cost estimate from Gambling Soft: we will show the back office, suggest a licence for your first markets and give a fixed price.
