Betfred has announced a “temporary pause” to its operations in Ireland with effect from 30 June, the day before the country’s new licensing regime is rolled out.
In a short message sent out directly to its Irish customer database, the bookmaker confirmed that users would not be able to access their digital profiles from the end of June. Local players have been urged to withdraw any remaining cash balances from the system. They have also been told not to place any wagers that settle after 29 June.
The bookmaker did not disclose an exact date for when it would resume its Irish digital services. The team stated that it hoped to be back soon. It noted that the short break would allow the company to align with the new Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) gambling regulations. When contacted by journalists for more information, representatives reiterated that it was a temporary pause and that no more details would be made public.
The move raised immediate questions about active football bets placed on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicked off last week and runs until 19 July. However, it is understood that all tournament bets will still be settled as normal.
The Launch of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024
The newly designed licensing regime comes into force across the country on 1 July. This milestone marks the first major phase of regulation under the primary Gambling Regulation Act 2024. From July, the newly established GRAI will begin its official oversight of all licensed betting and gaming operators. This centralized approach replaces a patchwork of legacy laws that had governed the local sector for decades.
The sovereign government permitted the GRAI to begin issuing licences back in February ahead of the full summer switch. Remote digital operators can be licensed from 1 July while brick and mortar operators must wait until 1 December when their existing permits expire. The regulatory body has also outlined an ambitious plan through to 2027 covering compliance monitoring and consumer protection.
It will also focus on anti money laundering controls and a national exclusion register. While many rival operators have already secured their new credentials, the suspension shows that some firms require extra time to complete the transition.
