Ireland’s New Gambling Regulator Sets Out Big Vision — Not Just Rules, but Real Change
What’s On The Table
Launched under the framework of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, the GRAI will operate independently under the Department of Justice, Home Affairs & Migration and aim to become self-financing via industry fees within two years.
The strategy outlines six key focus areas:
- Licensing
- Monitoring and Compliance
- Enforcement
- Consumer Protection & Awareness
- People, Organisation & Governance
- “Digital First” initiatives
Minister Jim O’Callaghan summed it up well: “This strategy is not just about regulation; it is about educating the public, protecting those vulnerable to gambling harm, and ensuring that the industry operates to the highest standards of integrity and social responsibility.”
Why This Matters for Affiliates
If you’re working in affiliate marketing within iGaming (or thinking of stepping in), here’s what you should keep on your radar:
- Early market clarity: Ireland is moving from old laws toward a modern, regulated market. For affiliates, this means the chance to be among the first movers with compliant, high-quality traffic.
- Compliance is increasingly a differentiator: With licensing, compliance, consumer protection all being emphasised, affiliates promoting operators who meet these standards will have a clear edge.
- Digital-first and consumer-centric: The “Digital First” pillar means that online user experience, mobile optimisation, digital payments, and responsible-gambling tech are key. Affiliates whose funnels are mobile-ready, fast, user-friendly and transparent will stand out.
- Content opportunities abound: Because this is more than just “apply for a licence” — it’s about educating players, raising awareness and building trust. Affiliates can create content about “what’s changing in Ireland”, “how to choose a safe operator”, “what new licences mean”—and attract users seeking informed choices.
- Preparing for launch: With licensing windows expected and rules taking shape toward 2026, now is the time to prepare: build localised content, optimise site speed, understand payment methods, and partner with reputable operators.
Final Thought
Ireland’s iGaming regulation evolution isn’t just about tightening the screws — it’s about building a modern, fair, and trusted market. For affiliates, this shift opens up an opportunity for those who do things right: focus on quality, trust, mobile experience, compliance—and you’ll be well positioned when the market fully rolls out.
If you’re ready to plan your next affiliate move in Ireland (or similar regulated markets), now’s the moment to get ahead.
