Online betting is legal and regulated in Ireland, and as of 2026 it is being brought under a single new regulator — the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), created by the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. Sports and race betting online is fully legal; the GRAI began issuing remote betting licences from 1 July 2026. There is not yet a dedicated Irish online-casino or gaming licence, so casino and crypto play is done on EU/international-licensed sites rather than domestically licensed ones. Crucially for players, winnings are tax-free, and free safer-gambling help is available on 1800 936 725.

Yes. Ireland has long permitted licensed betting, and the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 overhauled a patchwork of old laws (including the 1929 Totalisator Act and 1931 Betting Act) into a modern framework. It established the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) to license and supervise operators, taking over from the Revenue Commissioners.

The rollout is phased. The GRAI opened remote and in-person betting licence applications on 9 February 2026, and started issuing remote betting licences from 1 July 2026. In-person betting licences are due to follow later in 2026. Applications for further licence types — including gaming, lotteries, B2B and charitable licences — are expected to open through 2027 and 2028. Until a domestic gaming/casino licence exists, casino-style online play is served by operators licensed in other jurisdictions.

The regulator and licensing

The GRAI has real enforcement powers. Under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 it can impose administrative financial sanctions of up to the greater of €20 million or 10% of a licensee’s turnover, suspend or revoke licences, and require operators to remedy breaches. Its licensee obligations already include age verification, an obligation to pay out winnings, a ban on offering credit or accepting credit cards, and controls on advertising.

ItemDetail
RegulatorGambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI)
Governing lawGambling Regulation Act 2024
Betting licence applications opened9 February 2026
Remote betting licences issuedFrom 1 July 2026
Max sanctionGreater of €20m or 10% of turnover
Player winnings taxNone (tax-free)

Licensed vs offshore operators

Established Irish and international betting brands — Paddy Power, BoyleSports, Ladbrokes Ireland — are moving into the GRAI regime. For online casino and slots, Irish players typically use sites licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority, UK Gambling Commission, Isle of Man or Gibraltar. These are not Irish-licensed, so once GRAI gaming licences exist, prefer operators that hold (or can show) a GRAI licence.

Payments Irish players actually use

Day-to-day, Irish players rely on familiar local rails:

  • Debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) and Irish bank transfers (note: credit-card gambling is banned for GRAI licensees)
  • Revolut, widely used in Ireland for instant transfers
  • Apple Pay / Google Pay
  • PayPal and e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller
  • Prepaid options such as Paysafecard

Crypto (Bitcoin, Ethereum and USDT stablecoins) is used mainly at offshore casinos for speed and privacy. Some Irish banks flag or block card payments to gambling sites, which is part of crypto’s appeal.

There is no specific Irish law banning players from using crypto casinos, and none that domestically regulates crypto gambling. Irish residents are not breaking the law by playing at offshore crypto casinos, but they get fewer local protections than at a GRAI-licensed operator. A tax wrinkle: disposing of cryptocurrency — including to fund a deposit — is a Capital Gains Tax event with Revenue (CGT is currently charged at 33% on net gains above the annual exemption), even though the gambling winnings themselves are tax-free.

Tax on winnings

Good news for players: you do not pay tax on gambling winnings in Ireland. Under the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, betting and prize winnings are not chargeable gains. Instead, operators pay a 2% betting duty on the stakes they take (a remote betting duty of 2% applies to online operators). Professional gamblers whose betting is effectively a trade can fall into a grey area and should take tax advice.

Safer gambling and help

If gambling stops being fun, free confidential help is available:

  • GamblingCare.ie / Gambling Awareness Trust — national helpline 1800 936 725
  • Gamblers Anonymous Ireland — free meetings (Dublin: 01 872 1133)
  • GRAI safer-gambling resources and a forthcoming national self-exclusion register

You must be 18+ to gamble in Ireland. Gamble responsibly — set limits, never chase losses, and reach out for help if you need it.

Sources