The move comes just two months after the GRAI introduced a new licensing system as part of its work to build a regulatory framework focused on integrity and player protection, taking over authority from Ireland’s Revenue Commissioners.
The GRAI shared with The Irish Times:
“Operators, including two major prediction markets and a major international online gambling platform, have geo-blocked their services, which means that they have voluntarily restricted access to their platforms for users from Ireland. The GRAI is working closely with operators who have geo-blocked to ensure that consumers in Ireland are promptly refunded all monies deposited with these operators. A number of other operators have also closed their betting activities in Ireland following GRAI engagement.”
Although the regulatory body didn’t name any specific operators, local media reports show that users are faced with a message that reads “Due to licensing restrictions, access to Stake from your current location is not available.” when trying to enter the operator’s website.
A spokesperson from Stake later shared with SBC News:
“Stake closed registrations in the Irish market, and we will look to apply for a licence to operate under the new regime.”
Additionally, some of the other major operators that have recently geo-blocked Ireland include prediction market platforms Kalshi and Polymarket.
