Remote Bookmaker’s Licence

A Remote Bookmaker’s Licence is a legal requirement for any business that accepts bets from individuals in Ireland through electronic means, such as the internet or telephone. Whether you’re planning to operate a betting platform online, or to provide remote betting services via other communication channels, obtaining this licence ensures your business complies with Irish regulations under the Betting Act, as applicable at 01/10/2024.

Please note: The information provided on this page, and website, is intended as a general guide and does not constitute professional or legal advice. It should not be assumed that the guidance is exhaustive, nor should it be relied upon as a definitive solution for all circumstances. Readers should always seek their own legal or professional advice.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to obtaining and maintaining a Remote Bookmaker’s licence

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

If your business involves accepting bets remotely, you must hold a Remote Bookmaker’s Licence. However, licensed retail bookmakers may accept bets via remote means without this licence under specific conditions:

• The total value of remote bets is less than €250,000 or
• The remote bets make up less than 10% of your annual turnover.

If either of these thresholds is exceeded, you must apply for the Remote Bookmaker’s Licence.

Step 2: Understand the Licensing Period

The licence operates on a fixed two-year cycle. The current period runs from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2025. Keep in mind:

• Licences expire at the end of the period, regardless of the issue date.
• The cost of the first Remote Bookmaker’s Licence is €10,000, with renewal costs based on turnover.

Step 3: Payment Options

You have two options to pay for the licence:

1. Full payment upon issuance.
2. Two installments: the first payment at licence issuance, and the second due on or before 1 July mid-way through the licensing period.

The National Excise Licence Office will send a reminder notice before the second instalment is due.

Step 4: Gather Required Documents

To complete your application, you will need:

• Certificate(s) of Personal Fitness: The Certificate of Personal Fitness confirms that an individual or the relevant officer of a partnership or corporate body is a fit and proper person to hold a Bookmaker’s Licence. To obtain a certificate of Personal Fitness, the application must be accompanied by;
  • written confirmation from the Police Authorities in the applicant’s country of residence as to whether they have been convicted of any relevant offences in that jurisdiction (read section 6 of the Act )
  • originals of the newspaper notices declaring the applicant’s intention to apply for a certificate of personal fitness dated at least 14 days prior to the application being made
  • in the case of corporate bodies, an Auditor’s Certificate for the last 3 years for which they are legally obliged to submit accounts as well as detailed accounts for the same period
  • in the case of sole traders, a statement of audited accounts for the last 3 years
  • a certified copy of any current licences in the applicable category issued in the State or another EU state
  • Certificate of Personal Fitness for Remote (Online) Operators Guide on Gov.ie: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/193c8-bookmakers-licence-for-online-operators/
  • Terrestrial Irish Bookmaker: Certificate of Personal Fitness Guide on Gov.ie: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/95861-terrestrial-irish-bookmaker-certificate-of-personal-fitness/
  • Bookmakers: Certificate of Personal Fitness for Terrestrial Out of State Operators Guide on Gov.ie: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/790d3-bookmakers-licence-for-terrestrial-out-of-state-operators/
• Each relevant officer must obtain a certificate, which are issued by the Minister for Justice.
  • Note: You must apply to Revenue for your licence within 21 days of the certificate(s) being issued.
  • Information on how to apply for the certificate(s) is available on the Department of Justice website.
• Tax Clearance: A valid Tax Clearance Certificate is required for the applicant and, if applicable, for each relevant officer of a corporate body. Revenue will automatically check your tax clearance status; no need to submit this certificate manually.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

1. Submit Certificate(s) of Personal Fitness and completed application forms via email to the National Excise Licence Office.
2. You will be contacted by the office with instructions on how to complete your application and payment through the Revenue Online Service (ROS).
   • If you choose the instalment option, Revenue will send a notice before the second instalment is due.

Step 6: Stay Informed

For the latest information on the Remote Bookmaker’s Licence and to ensure compliance with updated regulations, visit the Revenue website.