Step-by-step manual
Self-exclusion in Ireland
Ireland does not yet have a working national self-exclusion scheme. The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 requires the GRAI to set up a National Gambling Exclusion Register that every licensee must use, letting one request block you from all GRAI-licensed operators. As of October 2026 the register has not launched, and the GRAI has warned that funding shortfalls are delaying parts of its rollout. Until it arrives, self-exclusion is done operator by operator through your account settings or customer support, backed up by bank gambling blocks and blocking software. Online casino sites currently serving Irish players are licensed abroad and will not be covered by the Irish register when it launches unless they obtain a GRAI licence.
- Scheme
- Operator-level (National Gambling Exclusion Register planned)
- Type
- Operator-level
- Minimum
- Set by each operator
- Cost
- Free
The steps
- 1
List every account
Write down every betting and gaming site and app where you hold an account, including ones you rarely use. Self-exclusion in Ireland currently has to be done separately with each operator.
- 2
Self-exclude with each operator
Log in and look for 'self-exclusion' or 'responsible gambling' in account settings, or contact customer support by chat or email. Ask for the longest exclusion available (often six months to five years) and ask for it to cover all products and sister brands.
- 3
Get written confirmation
Ask each operator to confirm the exclusion, its end date and that marketing will stop. Keep these emails in case an operator later lets you gamble.
- 4
Turn on your bank's gambling block
AIB, Bank of Ireland, PTSB and Revolut offer gambling transaction blocks in their apps. Most include a cooling-off delay before the block can be removed.
- 5
Install blocking software
Use blocking software on every phone, tablet and computer to stop access to gambling sites, including offshore ones that operators' own exclusions cannot reach.
- 6
Cover land-based betting
Ask staff at the bookmaker shops you use about self-exclusion; larger chains can apply it across their shops. Bring photo ID; some shops will also ask for a photograph so staff can recognise you.
- 7
Plan for the national register
When the National Gambling Exclusion Register opens, register with it as well. Check the GRAI's announcements for the launch date and identification requirements.
Before you start — what to know
- The National Gambling Exclusion Register is required by the 2024 Act but was not operational as of October 2026.
- Each operator sets its own exclusion periods and reinstatement rules until the national register launches.
- Online casino sites serving Irish players are licensed abroad, mostly in Malta; they are not yet subject to GRAI rules.
- Licensed operators must not accept credit card payments and must offer deposit limits and time-outs.
- Bank blocks and device-level blocking software are currently the most comprehensive tools available to Irish players.
Make it stronger: add more barriers
Frequently asked questions
Is online gambling legal in Ireland?
Online betting is legal through licensed bookmakers, now licensed by the GRAI since July 2026. Online casino games are not yet licensed in Ireland; licensing is expected to open from 2027.
Is there a national self-exclusion scheme in Ireland?
Not yet. The law requires a National Gambling Exclusion Register, but as of October 2026 it has not launched. You need to self-exclude with each operator separately for now.
What is the betting tax in Ireland?
Bookmakers pay a 2% duty on stakes for both online and retail bets. Budget 2027, announced in October 2026, left the rate unchanged.
Can I gamble with a credit card in Ireland?
Licensed operators may not accept credit card payments under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024.
Procedures can change. Always follow the instructions of the official scheme or regulator. We2Bet is not affiliated with any self-exclusion scheme. Last reviewed October 2026.