Ireland Launches Gambling Regulatory Authority

As of March 5, 2025, a new independent body, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), has begun its operations in Ireland. This move is a key part of the Gambling Regulation Act of 2024, which replaces outdated regulations, some of which date back to the 1930s. GRAI will be responsible for licensing, oversight, and player protection, ensuring the integrity and safety of gambling activities in the country.

GRAI’s Objectives and Goals

The main goal of GRAI is to establish a more transparent and organized gambling system in Ireland. The new authority will oversee all forms of gambling, including online betting, slot machines, and lotteries (except for the National Lottery). Its task is to ensure compliance with regulations and protect vulnerable groups, such as children and individuals with gambling addictions.

Measures to Protect Players

To address gambling-related issues, GRAI is introducing a range of new measures. One of them will be the National Self-Exclusion Register, which will allow individuals suffering from gambling addiction to exclude themselves from gambling activities. Additionally, a Social Fund will be established to support research and educational programs aimed at preventing gambling addiction and raising public awareness of the risks of gambling.

Gambling Advertising

To protect minors and individuals at risk, GRAI is introducing new restrictions on gambling advertising. From 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM, gambling advertisements will be banned from television, radio, and online platforms. This decision is aimed at reducing the impact of gambling on young people and vulnerable groups.

Funding and Support

For the successful operation of GRAI in 2025, the Irish government will allocate €9.1 million. Of this amount, €4 million will be used to create the technical infrastructure for the authority, while the remaining funds will be used to carry out its tasks, such as licensing, ensuring compliance with new regulations, and protecting players’ rights.

Role and Composition of the Leadership

The GRAI will be led by a seven-member board, headed by Paul Quinn. The board will include experts in the fields of medicine, finance, law, public health, and addiction treatment. They, along with the CEO Ann-Marie Colfield, will be responsible for implementing and enforcing the new regulations.

Prospects and Expectations

The launch of GRAI marks the beginning of a new era in gambling regulation in Ireland. The Ministry of Justice emphasized the importance of balancing consumer freedom with measures to protect the public from the consequences of gambling. The next step will be the submission of the first licensing applications in 2025, accompanied by monitoring the impact of the new regulations on the gambling industry and player protection.

GRAI will begin active operations in the coming months, and experts, industry representatives, and lawmakers will closely monitor its activities to assess how effectively the new rules contribute to reducing gambling addiction and ensuring player safety.