Stake geo-fences Ireland after reported GRAI talks

Stake has reportedly blocked access to Irish consumers following consultation with the Gambling Regulatory Authority for Ireland (GRAI), according to national media.

It comes two months on from the GRAI’s new licensing system being implemented as the regulator, which took over responsibility for the gambling sector from Ireland’s Revenue Commissioners, works towards a new system focused on integrity and player protection. 

Stake has previously implemented strict geo-fencing measures for UK users after the removal of its licence in March 2025 and will do the same for consumers in Ireland. 

The GRAI told the Irish Times that “operators, including two major prediction markets and a major international online gambling platform, have geo-blocked their services, which means that they have voluntarily restricted access to their platforms for users from Ireland”, though it did not confirm which three platforms this is in reference to. 

However, Stake has continuously referred to itself as “the world’s largest online casino and sportsbook” and the Irish Times has previously reported that major prediction market players Kalshi and Polymarket have geo-blocked access to Irish users in recent months.

“The GRAI is working closely with operators who have geo-blocked to ensure that consumers in Ireland are promptly refunded all monies deposited with these operators,” the regulator continued. 

“A number of other operators have also closed their betting activities in Ireland following GRAI engagement.”

Stake’s credibility continues its run in the headlines

Should it be Stake that the GRAI is referring to, it would come as a second example within a week of the operator being engaged by a regulatory authority.

The Curaçao-licensed firm was called out by the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) on Thursday and banned from all 24 states within the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN). 

Nigerian audiences were informed of the platform’s illegality and the regulator said it had sent 10 previous warnings. 

Stake is also in the news in the UK at the moment due to its continued affiliation with Premier League ever-present club Everton FC. 

The bookmaker has moved its front-of-shirt sponsorship of Everton to the kit’s sleeve due to the front-of-shirt ban implemented by the Premier League this season, but its continued Premier League presence has caused Entain to write to Everton in a letter seen by SBC News, urging the club to cut ties with the operator.

It is one of seven unlicensed operators with a presence in the Premier League, though its strict geo-fencing methods which have been implemented make it a tougher platform to access than the likes of 8XBet – a company which an Entain spokesperson was able to access via a Vietnamese VPN within five minutes. 

The GRAI’s action makes Ireland another jurisdiction where regulators have had to step in to prevent citizens from accessing Stake.

However, its geo-blocking measures and the fact that it has gained licences recently in markets such as Denmark, Argentina and Mexico, shows at least some signs that the operator is trying to enhance its somewhat marred reputation with regulators. 

SBC News has found that, for those trying to access Stake in Ireland, users are greeted with the message: “Due to licensing restrictions, access to Stake from your current location is not available.” 

Stake representatives have been contacted for comment.