The pros and cons of the Irish Authority

The GRAI and gambling for the Irish

How does the GRAI work?

One of its tasks is to issue gambling licences to certain operators, clinging to a set of specifications that it has taken care to draw up beforehand and have validated by the state. Online gambling platforms must have certain specific characteristics in order to be approved. The authority also has the power to launch investigations and possibly impose sanctions on any operator that does not meet the required characteristics. It exercises control and can use its right of access to the various information (both technical and financial) of each site authorised to operate in Ireland.

GRAI restrictions and implications

Rules

The authority's regulatory actions are not always appreciated by players. It is the subject of a number of controversies. It often imposes taxes on licensed operators, who are no longer able to be competitive in their offerings. The return to players offered by these operators is not the most attractive on the market. This would weaken the Irish market in an area where competition is less controlled, especially where casinos without an Irish licence are concerned. In addition, limits are often imposed on bets, which would paralyse certain professional players in their attempts to win huge 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, 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. Always make sure you choose from the operators on the list of Irish-licensed casinos.