A Fresh Spin: Reviewing Ireland's Proposed Gambling Licensing Fee Adjustments
Gambling industry voices criticism prompts GRAI to reconsider licence fee structure
It appears the gears of regulations are turning in Ireland as the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRAI) reconsiders its proposed licensing fee model. The switch under consideration is from a turnover-based system to a Gross Gaming Yield (GGY) or hybrid model, stirring a glimmer of hope for the industry.
The change comes after feedback from public consultations held earlier in 2025, with issues regarding hefty application fees, unclear fee structures, and an unfair burden on smaller operators dominating the narrative [1][3][4]. To ensure a level playing field, GRAI is now evaluating a tiered structure based on actual gambling income—a move that could lead to cost savings for smaller operators.
Curious to compare notes, industry members have been tempted to measure Irish fees against those imposed by the UK's Gambling Commission. While there are differences in regulatory frameworks hampering direct comparisons, GRAI is open to exploring a hybrid approach [2].
For now, GRAI emphasizes that the regulatory landscape is uniquely Irish, albeit evolving with the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, aiming to create a modern, flexible regulatory environment [5]. On the other hand, the Gambling Act 2005 offers a well-established framework in the UK, complete with ongoing reviews to tackle emerging issues.
In the grand scheme of things, Ireland's proposed changes hint at a trend towards more sensitive and responsive gambling regulation. By focusing on GGY, the Irish framework could potentially prove more advantageous for smaller operators, as they would only pay based on their actual revenue. However, the final details will play a crucial role in striking a balance between industry needs and player protection [6].
[1] Consultations on licensing fees in Ireland: https://www.grai.ie/consultations/[2] GRAI: Ireland's gambling industry awaits revised fee structure: https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/grai-considers-uk-style-tiered-regulations-for-online-gambling-website-operators-1.4618325[3] Fees and Charges for Irish Gambling Operators: https://www.grai.ie/fees-charges/[4] Ireland's Gambling Regulatory Authority Ponders Proposed Fee Structure: https://www.sgdigest.com/news/irelands-gambling-regulatory-authority-ponders-proposed-fee-structure18564[5] Gambling Regulation Act 2024: https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/act/9/enacted/en/html[6] Balancing Industry Needs and Player Protection in Ireland's Proposed Gambling Regulations: https://www.gamingintelligence.com/insight/balancing-industry-needs-and-player-protection-in-irelands-proposed-gambling-regulations-77688
Businesses in Ireland's gambling industry are closely watching the proposed changes to the licensing fee structure, as the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRAI) considers shifting from a turnover-based system to a Gross Gaming Yield (GGY) or hybrid model. This adjustment in finance might provide cost savings for smaller operators, contributing to a more level playing field.
