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- The February 2026 commencement order that brought GRAI's licensing and enforcement powers into force left almost the entire advertising code uncommenced, with only one narrow, unrelated provision on child employment currently in force.
- The GRAI has already published detailed guidance on the advertising rules for when they do take effect, and Racing TV has said the eventual watershed would make its Irish coverage economically unviable.
- The news suggests big changes are afoot in the Irish online casino scene. I'll be sure to bring you the latest as it happens.
Irish casino sites are still waiting on a new gambling law that many assume is already in force, it has emerged.
Section 149 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 sets out a daytime advertising watershed, banning gambling adverts on television, radio and on-demand media between 5.30am and 9pm.
The section has been law since the Act was signed in 2024, but Irish legislation only takes effect once a minister formally commences it.
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At the time of writing, that commencement has not happened.
The order that brought the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland's licensing and enforcement powers into force in February left almost the entire advertising code switched off.
Of the nine sections covering advertising, branded clothing and sponsorship, only one narrow provision on child employment has actually commenced.
That remains the position as of the Act's most recently published revision.
The GRAI has already published detailed guidance for operators on how the watershed and wider advertising rules will work once they do land.
Racing TV has previously said the restriction would make its Irish coverage economically unviable, giving broadcasters a real stake in when the switch finally gets flipped.
| Ireland's advertising watershed | Status |
|---|---|
| What it does | Bans gambling ads on TV, radio and on-demand media, 5.30am to 9pm |
| Legal basis | Section 149, Gambling Regulation Act 2024 |
| In force? | Not yet, awaiting a separate commencement order |
| What is in force | Only section 142(1), an unrelated child employment provision |
| Guidance | GRAI has published advertising guidance ahead of commencement |
It's a reminder that Ireland's gambling reform is landing in stages, not all at once.
OLBG's Casino Content Manager David Coleman believes the gap between the law on paper and the law in force is worth spelling out clearly.
He said: "It's easy to read a headline like '5.30am to 9pm advertising ban' and assume it's already protecting people. It isn't, not yet.
"Ireland's reform is being rolled out piece by piece, and advertising rules are further back in the queue than licensing.
"My advice for members is simple. Don't assume a rule is live just because it's been announced. Check the date it actually commences."
