Several major international gambling and prediction market platforms have blocked access to users in Ireland following targeted enforcement actions by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). The regulatory watchdog confirmed it is investigating more than 100 operators as part of an ongoing campaign against unlicensed remote betting operations targeting Irish consumers.

According to the GRAI, operators that have implemented geo-blocking controls are required to ensure that consumers in Ireland are promptly refunded all monies deposited into their accounts. The regulator noted that several platforms voluntarily restricted access or updated their restricted jurisdiction lists following direct engagement and warning letters issued by its enforcement team.

While the authority declined to officially name all affected entities, platforms including Curaçao-registered online gambling site Stake, as well as prediction market operators Polymarket and Kalshi, have recently restricted access to users located in Ireland. The GRAI previously indicated it was prepared to seek High Court blocking orders against operators that failed to comply with Irish gambling laws.

The enforcement crackdown comes as Ireland transitions to a unified regulatory regime under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. The legislative framework requires remote betting operators to obtain a GRAI licence and comply with statutory player protections, including prohibitions on credit card payments, restrictions on targeted inducements, and adherence to advertising watersheds.

GRAI Chief Executive Anne Marie Caulfield has emphasized that any remote platform offering activities that legally constitute betting within the state must hold the appropriate authorization. The regulator estimates that the illegal gambling market in Europe accounts for roughly 70 percent of betting activity and is worth more than €80 billion across approximately 6,000 operators.