On this page
- The new Irish gambling regulator
- New! Our Top 3:
- Player protections under the new rules
- Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain
- What to look for in an online casino in Ireland
- Popular games with Irish players
- Online casino payments in Ireland
- Tax on gambling winnings in Ireland
- What the new rules could mean for casino players
- Safer gambling support in Ireland
- Tips for playing at online casinos in Ireland
Ireland is in the middle of the biggest change to its gambling rules in decades. A new regulator, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), is gradually taking over the licensing of betting and gaming, with new rules to protect players. For anyone who plays online casino games in Ireland, it is useful to know what has already changed, what is still to come and what to look for in a casino today. In this guide we explain the situation step by step.
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The new Irish gambling regulator
New! Our Top 3:
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The GRAI was set up under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, which replaces older laws that dated back decades and were written long before online gambling existed. The regulator is introducing its powers in phases, starting with betting.
| Phase | What changes | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Remote betting | Online and telephone betting operators and betting intermediaries need a GRAI licence | From 1 July 2026 |
| In-person betting | Betting shops and on-course bookmakers move to GRAI licences | Later in 2026 |
| Gaming and lotteries | Online casino, gaming, lottery and B2B licences | Applications open in 2027 and 2028 |
This means that online betting in Ireland is now licensed by the GRAI, while online casino licences are still to come. Until then, online casinos available to Irish players are licensed in other jurisdictions, most often Malta.
Player protections under the new rules
Operators with a GRAI licence must follow a set of protections for players. For licensed online betting operators, these include:
- Age verification: operators must check that every customer is 18 or over.
- Paying out winnings: operators have a clear obligation to pay out what customers win.
- No credit: operators may not offer credit or accept credit cards.
- Closing accounts: customers can have their account closed on request.
A National Gambling Exclusion Register is also planned. Once it is running, it will let you block yourself from all GRAI-licensed operators with one registration, much like GamStop in Great Britain. These protections will extend to online casinos once gaming licences are issued.
Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain
It is easy to mix up the different markets on the island of Ireland and in the UK:
- Republic of Ireland: regulated by the GRAI under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. Payments are in euro.
- Great Britain: England, Scotland and Wales are regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, with rules such as £5 and £2 slot stake limits and a 10x cap on bonus wagering.
- Northern Ireland: part of the UK, but with its own gambling laws, separate from both Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.
That is why the rules and offers you see can differ depending on where you live, even when the casino brand is the same.
What to look for in an online casino in Ireland
While casino licensing moves to the GRAI, these are the most important checks:
- A recognised licence: check which regulator licenses the casino and that the licence number is shown on the site.
- Euro payments: a casino that accepts euro avoids currency conversion costs on deposits and withdrawals.
- Irish-friendly payment methods: debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and bank transfers are the most common options.
- Fair bonus terms: look for low wagering, clear time limits and no hidden maximum win rules.
- Safer gambling tools: deposit limits, reality checks, time-outs and self-exclusion should be easy to find.
- Fast payouts: check withdrawal times and limits before you deposit.
Popular games with Irish players
Irish players enjoy the same range of slots, table games and live casino games as players elsewhere, but some themes are especially popular. Irish luck and leprechaun slots are a category of their own, with classics such as Rainbow Riches and Wish Upon a Leprechaun. Live blackjack and roulette are popular too, as are live game shows.
Horse racing plays a special role in Irish gambling culture. Festivals such as Punchestown, Galway and Leopardstown at Christmas, and the Irish raiders at Cheltenham, draw huge interest every year. Read our guide to horse racing betting for bet types and the big races, and see our overview of betting sites.
Online casino payments in Ireland
Most online casinos that accept Irish players support euro deposits and withdrawals. Debit cards from Irish banks are the most widely used method, and Apple Pay and Google Pay make deposits from a phone quick and easy. E-wallets such as PayPal, Skrill and Neteller are available at many casinos, and bank transfers are a reliable option for larger withdrawals, although they can take a little longer. Before you deposit, check the minimum and maximum amounts for each method, any fees and the expected withdrawal time. Verifying your account early, with a photo ID and a recent proof of address, avoids delays when you request your first payout. Under the new Irish rules, licensed betting operators may no longer accept credit cards, and the same approach is expected for online casinos once they are licensed by the GRAI.
Tax on gambling winnings in Ireland
Gambling winnings are not taxed for players in Ireland. Betting operators pay a betting duty, but you do not have to declare or pay tax on your winnings from casino games or bets.
What the new rules could mean for casino players
Once online casinos need a GRAI licence, Irish players can expect the same kind of protections that already apply to betting: strict age checks, no credit, clear rules on paying out winnings and easy account closure. The National Gambling Exclusion Register will add a single place to self-exclude. The Act also gives the regulator powers over advertising and promotions, so bonuses and marketing aimed at Irish players are likely to become more tightly controlled.
Safer gambling support in Ireland
If gambling stops being fun, help is available. Gamblingcare.ie offers information and support for people affected by problem gambling, and casinos must provide tools such as deposit limits, time-outs and self-exclusion. You can also use blocking software on your phone and computer, and ask your bank whether it can block gambling transactions on your card. Talking to family, friends or your GP is another important step. The earlier you act, the easier it is to get back in control.
Tips for playing at online casinos in Ireland
- Check the licence first: make sure you know which regulator oversees the casino.
- Play in euro: avoid conversion fees by choosing a casino that supports euro.
- Set limits: use deposit limits and time reminders from your first session.
- Read bonus terms carefully: rules on wagering and maximum wins can differ between casinos.
- Keep an eye on the new rules: as the GRAI rolls out casino licences, protections and offers will change.
For more advice on choosing a safe casino and managing your budget, read our guide to gambling with real money.
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is the new regulator. It started with remote betting licences from 1 July 2026. Online casino and gaming licences will follow, with applications opening in 2027 and 2028.
Irish players can play at online casinos, which are currently licensed in other jurisdictions such as Malta. Online casinos will move to GRAI licences once gaming licensing opens.
A National Gambling Exclusion Register is planned. When it is running, you will be able to block yourself from all GRAI-licensed operators at once.
No. Operators with a GRAI licence may not accept credit cards or offer credit to customers.
No. Gambling winnings are not taxed for players in Ireland.
Play responsibly. Set a budget before you start and never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose. For free and confidential support in Ireland, visit gamblingcare.ie. 18+ only.