Ireland Looks to Denmark: New Gambling Regulator Expands Cross-Border Oversight

Ireland is entering a new era of gambling regulation. The newly established Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is looking to Denmark for inspiration. It aims to more effectively combat illegal gambling and expand cross-border cooperation. This signals a clear shift in Irish gambling policy. The authority, which began issuing licenses in early February, plans to fundamentally modernize the current system, often considered outdated. This holds great potential for stricter rules and better player protection. However, it also presents challenges for existing and future operators. Measures for the protection of minors and vulnerable players, as well as stricter marketing, play an important role. Ireland has long taken a surprisingly lenient approach to gambling regulation. This has now changed.

The GRAI is taking a phased approach to operator licensing. On February 9, 2026, applications for betting licenses opened. Online gaming licenses are expected to follow later in the year. This reorientation has far-reaching consequences for the market. The GRAI has set ambitious goals to improve player protection and curb the black market.

Numbers and facts

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) officially began its work on February 5, 2026. It is now authorized to issue licenses and enforce new rules. The establishment of the GRAI in March 2025 was an important step. It replaces the more than 90-year-old Betting Act of 1931. The authority has the power to take action against non-compliant operators. Penalties can be up to 10 percent of annual turnover or 20 million euros, whichever is higher. For serious offenses, prison sentences of up to eight years are even possible.

James O’Kelly, Head of Corporate Development at SolutionsHub, reports that his company is already gaining initial experience with the new regulation: > “We have one operator under the old regime who will move into the new regime. We also have two existing clients who already hold licences in other jurisdictions, including the UK, who will be applying for the new Irish licence.” – James O’Kelly, Head of Corporate Development at SolutionsHub

The GRAI is working on a National Gambling Exclusion Register. This system is comparable to GamStop in the UK. All licensed providers must participate. In addition, restrictions on bonuses and a ban on gambling ads on TV and radio between 5:30 AM and 9:00 PM are planned. Playing with credit cards is now also prohibited. According to iGamingBusiness, the GRAI begins its work based on the principles of “prevention, protection, and evidence-based regulation.”

Background

Ireland's gambling market has long been characterized by rather lenient regulation. This is despite the fact that the country has produced some of the world's largest betting providers. Think of Flutter Entertainment, the parent company of Paddy Power and Betfair. The old system was fragmented. Enforcement powers were limited. It lagged behind the complexity of the market. The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 aims to change that. The GRAI is to act as a central supervisory authority with extensive powers.

The new law was passed after several attempts and delays. It is intended not only to modernize gambling but also to introduce stronger safeguards. Children, in particular, are to be better protected. The transition for operators is twofold. Existing online licenses expire on July 1. Licenses for land-based operations are valid until December 1. After that, all operators must hold a new GRAI license. The GRAI plans to introduce annual inspection programs by July 2026. Special investigation and enforcement units are to be formed in the third quarter of 2026.

Why it matters for German players

For German players, the developments in Ireland are interesting but not directly binding. Germany, with the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) and the establishment of the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL), has taken its own path. German players should be aware that only casinos with a GGL license are legal in Germany. These providers can be found on the so-called GGL whitelist.

German rules are strict: a deposit limit of 1,000 euros per month and a bet limit of 1 euro per spin on slot machines are mandatory. A central monitoring system called LUGAS ensures compliance with these limits. Player protection is a priority in this country. Bonus offers are highly regulated to reduce incentives for excessive play. Casinos with licenses from Malta (MGA) or Curaçao are illegal in Germany and offer no legal player protection. However, the Irish initiative underlines the global trend towards stricter regulation and stronger player protection. German players thus find themselves in a market characterized by a high degree of regulation.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For GGL-licensed casinos, there are no direct effects from the Irish developments. Both Germany and Ireland are pursuing similar paths. Both countries are striving for stronger regulation and more player protection. For operators active in multiple jurisdictions, this means an increase in complexity. They must adapt to different regulatory frameworks.

The strict measures in Ireland, such as the ban on credit card payments, advertising restrictions, and high fines, are already standard or similarly strictly regulated in Germany. However, the exchange between regulatory authorities, as emphasized by the GRAI, can lead to harmonization or at least a better understanding of best practices in the long run. This could mean that proven player protection measures from one country could sooner or later become relevant in other countries. The goal is always to create a safe and responsible gambling environment.