Ireland's Gambling Regulator Launches Licensing Process
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is planning to open its licensing portal before the end of the year and has asked those interested in operating in the Irish market to register their interest.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:On Thursday, 27 March, GRAI kickstarted the licensing process for its different types of gambling licenses, aiming to gauge market demand and scope.
With the move, the regulator also intends to create a contact database of prospective licensees to keep them informed about the licensing process and notify them when the system is launched.
The GRAI was established in 2024, following the passage of the Gambling Regulation Act, and officially began operations earlier this month.
The Act empowers the regulator to issue licenses for all gambling activities except the national lottery.
Types of Licenses Available
Prospective operators can apply for three types of gambling licenses, namely B2C, B2B, and charity.
Interested B2C operators can go for remote betting, in-person wagering, or remote betting intermediary licenses. They can also seek approval to offer remote gaming and lottery services.
With a gambling service license, an entity can offer various services, including online hosting, risk management, software/equipment maintenance, and odds/trading solutions to approved operators.
A B2B license allows the holder to supply physical gaming equipment, such as machines and hardware, to licensed operators.
Charity licenses cover activities like event-based pool betting and charitable lotteries. The GRAI has announced that charity license applications will not be accepted this year. However, charities can still obtain permits through the current system.
More Regulation News
Before securing market access, operators will be required to undergo a rigorous vetting process involving corporate, financial, and technical evaluations to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Tough Regulations Ahead
After licenses are granted, the regulator will implement strict rules for operators, including limits on advertising hours and restrictions on promotional offers.
The GRAI is responsible for enforcing compliance with the Gambling Regulation Act in the land-based and online gambling sectors. Earlier this month, the regulator vowed to take a tough stance on advertisements that promote addictive behavior or target minors.
RELATED TOPICS: Regulation
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