DragonBet Enters the Irish Gambling Market with Remote Licence

At a pivotal time in the evolution of Ireland's gambling industry, DragonBet has officially marked its entry into the Irish market. Operating under a Transitional License, the bookmaker’s advent comes as Ireland gears up for an overhaul of its outdated gambling regulations. Currently functioning under the frameworks laid down by historical acts, DragonBet has managed to secure a Remote Bookmaker’s Licence, paving the way for it to commence operations for Irish bettors. This strategic move was highlighted on their LinkedIn platform, where they expressed enthusiasm about engaging with their new Irish clientele as they establish their presence in the country. Through this licence, DragonBet can legally operate while changes in the regulatory environment continue to shape the future of gambling oversight in Ireland.

Existing Legislative Frameworks in Place

Currently, the framework for gambling regulation in Ireland is governed by the Revenue Commissioners, the country’s tax authority. This authority derives its mandate from legislation originating from the Betting Act 1931 and the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956. Despite these laws being a product of a bygone era, they continue to underpin the licensing and regulation of gambling activities within the country. DragonBet's entry under this existing legislation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by operators within Ireland's traditional legal context. The existing frameworks are seen as insufficiently equipped to handle the complexities introduced by modern online betting and international operators. This inadequacy has spurred political momentum towards establishing a new, more robust regulatory system.

Transformative Changes on the Horizon

The momentum for reform has been building since 2021 when the Irish coalition government of Fianna Fáil–Fine Gael introduced proposals for a comprehensive new Irish Gambling Act. The primary objective was to replace the nearly century-old laws with modern regulations catering to current online betting and cross-border activities. Following a comprehensive three-year consultative process and extensive governmental discussions, the legislation gained approval from both houses of the Oireachtas in 2024. This legislative approval effectively set the stage for the establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). The new authority is set to centralize the regulatory functions under one body, transitioning these duties from the Revenue Commissioners. This transition signifies a significant institutional shift. The GRAI aims to implement its full regulatory powers in 2026, guided by a strategic two-year roadmap targeting operational self-sufficiency by 2027. Key areas of focus include licensing, compliance, digital infrastructure, and consumer protection. Additionally, a Social Impact Fund is proposed as part of the reform package, mandating operator contributions towards combating problem gambling through support, prevention, and education initiatives. This framework is reminiscent of the United Kingdom's Statutory Gambling Levy. With the implementation of the new regulatory framework, all current license holders in Ireland are required to seek fresh authorization from the newly established GRAI to continue operations. Source: “DragonBet makes Ireland entry with remote bookmaker licence”, sbcnews.co.uk, January 19, 2026 By GamesAndCasino