The pros and cons of the Irish Authority

I have provided my analysis on this page

My Perspective on GRAI and Gambling in Ireland

How I perceive the GRAI's work?

One of my observations is that the GRAI issues gambling licences to certain operators, adhering to a set of specifications that it has taken care to establish beforehand and have validated by the state. I note that online gambling platforms must possess certain specific characteristics to be approved. Additionally, I’ve seen that the authority has the power to launch investigations and possibly impose sanctions on any operator that does not meet these requirements. It exercises control and can use its right of access to various information (both technical and financial) of each site authorized to operate in Ireland.

GRAI restrictions and implications

Rules

In my view, the authority's regulatory actions are not always appreciated by players. It is at the center of several controversies. I’ve noticed that it often imposes taxes on licensed operators, making them less competitive in their offerings. The returns to players offered by these operators are not the most attractive on the market. This, in my opinion, would weaken the Irish market in areas where competition is less controlled, especially concerning casinos without an Irish licence. Furthermore, limits are often imposed on bets, which could paralyse certain professional players in their attempts to win large sums. Similarly, bonus amounts and conditions are not limited.

Clearly, the GRAI's prohibitions are numerous and do not always benefit the players it claims to protect. As a result, I see that players are forced to turn to operators without a local licence to get their money's worth. However, not all of these sites are directly open to Irish players. So they resort to VPNs to be able to play, with all the risks of being ripped off and not being able to withdraw their money. I always advise you to choose from the operators on the list of Irish-licensed casinos.