DragonBet Enters Ireland with Remote Bookmaker License

DragonBet has obtained a remote bookmaker license from the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, marking its formal entry into the Irish online gambling market. The approval permits the operator to provide sports betting and casino services to Irish players in accordance with strict regulatory standards. This development intensifies competition in Ireland's post-2024 regulated landscape, where enhanced player protections and compliance requirements shape new market access.

Key Takeaways

• Remote licensing in Ireland enables efficient entry for operators that demonstrate compliance, with integration with national self-exclusion tools and robust AML measures.
• Bundled sportsbook-casino offerings under one license appeal to players preferring versatile, single-account platforms.
• The move reflects growing operator interest in Ireland's stable, regulated environment amid broader European market diversification.

The GRAI issued the remote license to DragonBet on January 19, 2026, following verification of the operator's financial soundness, corporate governance, and commitment to responsible gambling frameworks. Ireland's regime, governed by the Gambling Regulation Act and overseen by the GRAI (formerly the Revenue Commissioners' Gambling Licensing function), mandates remote operators to implement age and identity verification, link to the national self-exclusion register, and adhere to advertising restrictions—safeguards that have elevated consumer protection since full regulatory rollout.

DragonBet, an operator with experience in other regulated territories, views Ireland as a strategic addition to its portfolio. The market combines high internet penetration with demand for diverse casino products, including slots, live dealer games, and table games, as well as sports betting. Remote licensing eliminates the need for local physical infrastructure, enabling faster launches while operators navigate Ireland's point-of-consumption taxation and payment processing rules.

For the wider new casino industry, this approval demonstrates the viability of targeted European expansions in jurisdictions balancing revenue potential with stringent oversight. It may encourage similar applications from operators holding MGA or UKGC licenses seeking to offset saturation in larger markets. Players gain access to additional licensed options that feature audited RNG, secure payments, and enhanced RG features. The entry aligns with trends toward regulatory convergence in Europe, where jurisdictions like Ireland prioritize sustainable growth through compliance-focused market openings.

Sources: SBC News