Ireland’s gambling landscape is set for a major overhaul as the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) begins to flex its regulatory muscles. The newly established watchdog faces a challenging road ahead in shaping the future of the Emerald Isle’s betting and gaming sector.
Key Takeaways:
- GRAI to issue licenses and implement industry-wide restrictions
- Social impact fund to be established, funded by industry levies
- Regulator aims to combat illegal gambling and protect vulnerable individuals
A New Era for Irish Gambling
The GRAI, created under the [Gambling Regulation Act 2024](https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/bills/bill/2022/114/), is now tasked with overseeing Ireland’s gambling regulatory framework. This includes awarding licenses for all gambling activities, except the national lottery, and implementing measures to protect consumers and combat illegal gambling.
GRAI CEO Anne-Marie Caulfield revealed that the regulator’s governance structure is already in place, with seven board members appointed in March 2025. The board, led by Paul Quinn, former CEO of Ireland’s government procurement office, brings together expertise from various sectors, including broadcasting, health and safety, and banking.
Licensing and Restrictions
One of GRAI’s primary focuses is establishing a comprehensive licensing scheme. Caulfield stated, ‘We anticipate that we’ll be able to open for betting licences both online and on-site, before the end of the year.’ The regulator plans to roll out licenses for online gaming in early 2026, with other sectors following through 2027.
The licensing process will involve thorough vetting of operators, including corporate, financial, and technical checks. This approach aims to ensure that only reputable and capable entities are granted licenses to operate in the Irish market.
Consumer Protection Measures
GRAI is set to implement a series of public health-focused measures aimed at protecting children and individuals from problem gambling. These include:
1. Advertising restrictions, including a watershed between 5:30 am and 9 pm
2. Bans on targeted offers and VIP treatments for at-risk gamblers
3. Limitations on social media advertising
4. A national gambling exclusion register
Combating Illegal Gambling
While industry stakeholders have raised concerns about the black market, Caulfield believes its size may be overstated. Nevertheless, GRAI is taking steps to address illegal gambling, including:
1. Public education campaigns about the dangers of unlicensed operators
2. Collaboration with banks to block payments to illegal sites
3. Working with social media and search engine platforms to limit access
4. Considering stricter regulations for B2B licenses
Funding and Social Impact
The GRAI will be funded through industry levies, with the aim of minimizing the burden on taxpayers. Additionally, a social impact fund will be established, capitalized by contributions from licensed operators. This fund will support gambling education, awareness research, and treatment for gambling-related harms.
As Ireland’s gambling industry enters this new regulatory era, all eyes will be on the GRAI to see how effectively it can balance consumer protection with industry growth. The coming months and years will be crucial in determining the success of this ambitious regulatory framework.
