Ireland: which rules apply to prize promotions?
It depends on the prize value. Licence-free up to €2,500; a Garda permit up to €5,000; above that only a District Court licence.
Rated: demanding
Planning effort, not legal risk, and not legal advice. Before every launch the mechanic is confirmed by a law firm admitted in the market.
In detail
Purchase-linked and licence-free up to €2,500 of total prize value; €2,501 to €5,000 needs a Garda superintendent permit; above that only a District Court licence, available for charitable purposes only
None under the €2,500 exemption; a Garda superintendent permit up to €5,000 and a District Court licence above that, both applied for at least 60 days ahead
Winnings are generally not taxed as income for private winners; the VAT position of prize goods sits with the promoter and high-value prizes are confirmed with Irish tax advice
A brand cannot obtain the licence above €5,000, so the design has to stay under the threshold, use skill or use a free-entry route. The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 was partly commenced in February 2026; its lottery provisions are not yet operational, so promotional draws still run under the 1956 Act
The Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Act 2019 simplified low-value marketing campaigns: a purchase-linked chance draw needs no free-entry route as long as total prize value stays at or below EUR 2,500 and the purchase is the only cost. Above that a Garda superintendent permit runs to EUR 5,000, and a District Court licence beyond it, available for charitable purposes only. Winnings are generally not taxed as income for private winners; the VAT position of prize goods sits with the promoter. The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 was partly commenced in February 2026, and its lottery provisions are not yet operational, so promotional draws still run under the 1956 Act. Licensing obligations for online chance mechanics are coming, which matters for always-on formats. Status: mid-2026.
What this means for your campaign
Stay under €2,500, or allow 60 days for the permit. Above €5,000 a brand cannot obtain the licence itself, so the design has to use skill or a free-entry route.
All 41 markets side by side
The permit check puts all 41 markets side by side and adds up the effort for your market selection. The full legal sources are on the market rules overview.
Planning a campaign in Ireland?
Tell us the mechanic, the markets and the date. You get a fixed-price concept back within three business days, including the permit route per market.