Stake Geo-Blocks All Irish Access Following GRAI Engagement Under New Online Betting Licensing Rules

Stake has blocked access to its website for users in Ireland following engagement with the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). The move comes as the regulator steps up enforcement under the country’s new online betting licensing regime.

Yogonet International reported that the GRAI did not identify Stake by name but said that operators, including two major prediction markets and a major international online gambling platform, have geo-blocked their services. This means they have voluntarily restricted access to their platforms for users from Ireland following regulatory intervention.

Stake, which describes itself as the world’s largest online casino and sportsbook, claims to have more than 44 million customers across 169 countries. It has blocked its entire site in Ireland, including sports betting and casino-style games.

The GRAI stated that it “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.

Requirements of Ireland’s Online Betting Licensing System

The GRAI’s new licensing system for online betting came into effect on July 1. It introduces requirements covering age verification and prompt payment of winnings, as well as a prohibition on credit-card use. The regulator has issued 33 online betting licences and is investigating more than 100 operators.

“Our enforcement team is focusing on both extraterritorial remote gambling sites that are illegal at the point of consumption in Ireland, as well as unlicensed betting in pubs and unlicensed bookmaking, both in-person and online,” the GRAI said.

The regulator said the illegal gambling market in Europe accounts for 70% of betting activity and is worth more than €80 billion ($92.34 billion), with about 6,000 operators targeting the market.

Stake’s Regulatory Actions in Nigeria, UK and Licensed Markets

Stake has also faced regulatory action in Nigeria, where the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority recently banned the operator across all 24 states represented by the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN), citing 10 previous warnings.

The operator has previously implemented geo-fencing in the UK following the removal of its licence in March 2025 and has secured licences in markets including Denmark, Argentina and Mexico.

Reporting: Yogonet International

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