Law and rules
What the law requires before an Irish betting account can open
A licensed operator must check a customer's identity and age before an account can open (s.169), and children may not take part in gambling (s.158). Both have been in force since 5 February 2026. S.I. 315/2026, adopted by GRAI on 6 July 2026, adds a further verification method. For you it means expecting to prove who you are and that you are 18 or over.
Editorial team · checked
The rules
| Provision | What it says in our notes | In force |
|---|---|---|
| s.2 | A child is a person under 18 | 5 February 2026 |
| s.158 | Children may not take part in gambling | 5 February 2026 |
| s.169 | Identity and age are verified before an account opens | 5 February 2026 |
| S.I. 315/2026 | A further verification method for operators | Adopted 6 July 2026 |
In short: 18 is the line, and the check comes before the account.
What S.I. 315/2026 adds
It is the Verification of Identity and Age Regulations 2026. As summarised in our notes, the further method combines three items:
- A document showing a photo and date of birth.
- A document showing an address.
- A bank statement from the last 6 months.
The exact conditions are to be re-read in the regulations. They bind operators, not comparison sites.
In short: a further way for operators to verify, not a new age limit.
What it means for you
- Expect to be asked for identification when you register.
- Have your documents ready before you start.
- Under-18s cannot open or use an account.
- Background: licensing since 1 July 2026.
- The checks happen in the operator's service. This site does not receive your documents.
Step by step: verifying your age and identity.
In short: plan to prove who you are before you can bet.
What we have not checked
- Which verification method each operator uses: Not checked.
- How long an operator takes to complete a check: The operator does not publish this unless its page says so, and we have not read it.
- Rules for the National Lottery, which has a separate regime.
If betting is a worry, see responsible gambling.
In short: the law is summarised; operator practice is not yet read.
18+ only. Gambling can be addictive – play responsibly. Set limits, take breaks and never bet more than you can afford to lose. Free 24/7 support: Gambling Awareness Trust helpline 1800 936 725 · gamblingcare.ie.
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