A retail bookmaker’s licence in Ireland, is a legal requirement for anyone who wishes to accept bets from the public in Ireland, whether in a physical location or online. The licence is issued by Revenue under the Betting Act 1931, as amended, and you must hold a valid licence to operate legally in Ireland.
The Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 is currently progressing through the final stages of the Oireachtas legislative process, and once enacted, it will bring changes to the licensing and regulatory framework in Ireland. To ensure you stay informed about these developments, please visit the Revenue Commissioners or the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland for the most current updates and requirements.
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.
Retail Bookmaker’s Licence
First Application for a Retail Bookmaker’s Licence
When applying for a retail bookmaker’s licence for the first time, you must submit your Certificate(s) of Personal Fitness along with the Application Form to the National Excise Licence Office. The application must be signed by:
– The licensee, if you are applying as a sole trader.
– One of the partners, if applying as a partnership.
– The company secretary or a director, in the case of an incorporated company.
Once your application has been processed by Revenue, you will receive a First Time Application Notice. This notice will invite you to complete your application and submit payment for your licence.
Tax Clearance Requirement
All applicants must have valid tax clearance before a licence is issued. For companies, both the business itself and each officer listed on the application must have tax clearance. Revenue will verify the tax clearance status of the applicant and all listed officers before granting the licence.
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Registration of Bookmaking Office
First application for a registration of a bookmaking office.
Before registering your bookmaking office(s), you must either hold or have applied for a Bookmaker’s Licence.
You will need to submit the following to the National Excise Licence Office:
– A Certificate of Suitability of Premises for each office
– A completed Application Form
The application must be signed by:
– The licensee, if applying as a sole trader
– One of the partners, if applying as a partnership
– The company secretary or a director, if applying as an incorporated company.
Once your application is processed by Revenue, you will receive a First Time Application Notice for each of your premises. These notices will invite you to finalize your application and pay for the licences.
Suitability of premises
Certificate of Suitability of premises
The Certificate of Suitability of Premises is issued by the local Superintendent of An Garda Síochána, who ensures the premises meets the criteria for inclusion in Revenue’s Register of Bookmaking Offices.
Application Process: To obtain this certificate, you must apply to the Superintendent in the area where your premises is located.
Before applying, you may also need to publish notice of your intent to apply in at least two local newspapers, as specified under the Betting Act 1931.
The application should be submitted in the prescribed manner and signed off by two Peace Commissioners.
Timeline: After receiving your application, the Superintendent has 14 days to either approve or deny the certificate. If denied, the applicant can make representations and appeal the decision.
Retail Bookmaker’s Licence
Renewal of a Retail Bookmaker’s Licence
The National Excise Licence Office will send a renewal notice shortly before the current licensing period ends. This notice will invite you to submit your renewal application, along with your Certificate(s) of Personal Fitness, and make payment for your licence.
You will also need tax clearance. For company renewals, both the company and each relevant officer listed on the licence will need tax clearance. Revenue will automatically check your tax clearance status before issuing the licence.
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Registration of Bookmaking Office
Renewal of registration of a bookmaking office.
The National Excise Licence Office will send you a renewal notice shortly before the end of the current licensing period.
This notice will invite you to:
– Make your renewal application
– Submit your Certificate(s) of Suitability of Premises
– Pay for your licence
You must hold, or have applied to renew, your Bookmaker’s Licence before renewing the registration of your bookmaking office(s).
Suitability of premises
Certificate of Suitability of premises
The Certificate of Suitability of Premises is issued by the local Superintendent of An Garda Síochána, who ensures the premises meets the criteria for inclusion in Revenue’s Register of Bookmaking Offices.
Application Process: To obtain this certificate, you must apply to the Superintendent in the area where your premises is located.
Before applying, you may also need to publish notice of your intent to apply in at least two local newspapers, as specified under the Betting Act 1931.
The application should be submitted in the prescribed manner and signed off by two Peace Commissioners.
Timeline: After receiving your application, the Superintendent has 14 days to either approve or deny the certificate. If denied, the applicant can make representations and appeal the decision.
Certificate of Registration of Premises
