Ireland’s gambling regulation starts to take form

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is poised for a transformative period as it embarks on its mission to regulate and oversee Ireland’s gambling landscape.

In the upcoming months, the GRAI will be charged with critical responsibilities, including the issuance of licenses, the establishment of comprehensive regulatory frameworks, the enforcement of measures against money laundering and terrorism financing, and the development of a social impact fund to be financed by the gambling industry.

Established in accordance with the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, GRAI’s mandate encompasses the oversight of all gambling operations within Ireland, excluding the national lottery, which remains under separate governance.

In an exclusive interview with iGB, GRAI CEO Anne-Marie Caulfield highlighted the regulator’s completed governance structure, which outlines finances and staffing strategies. However, she emphasized that with licensing yet to commence, the pivotal work is just beginning.

Leadership and Governance of GRAI

The GRAI officially commenced its operations in March 2025 with the appointment of a board comprising seven key professionals from diverse sectors.

Leading the board is Paul Quinn, former CEO of Ireland’s government procurement office and a seasoned executive with extensive experience across various sectors, including telecommunications.

Joining him is Celine Craig, a former CEO of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, bringing considerable media expertise to the board.

Adding another critical dimension to the team are Rita Purcell, deputy CEO of International and Legal at the Health Products Regulatory Authority, and Dr. Colin O’Driscoll, a senior psychologist contributing insights from addiction services.

Marion Kelly, CEO of the Irish Banking Culture Board, David Hickson, former chair of the Gaming & Leisure Association of Ireland, and Michael McGrath, a practising barrister, further bolster the board’s expertise.

To ensure informed decision-making, GRAI will establish various consultancy panels, including industry consultants and a “lived experience panel” comprising individuals who have faced gambling-related challenges. This engagement aims to foster transparency and collaborative development of industry standards.

Licensing Framework for Operators and Suppliers

CEO Caulfield confirmed that prioritizing the licensing scheme is a central focus for GRAI. She indicated that the majority of regulatory obligations will stem from this licensing process.

“We anticipate that the licensing for both online and on-site betting might open before the end of this year,” Caulfield stated in her address to iGB. “Following this, we will initiate licensing for online gaming in early 2026 and further extend our efforts through 2027 for other license types, including those for charities and B2B operations.”

The regulator commenced the licensing application process in March and is set to launch a comprehensive licensing portal by year-end.

GRAI’s licensing structure is rooted in three pivotal pillars: corporate scrutiny, financial viability assessment, and technical capability evaluation. This rigorous vetting process ensures that operators meet high standards in governance, financial stability, and technical security, safeguarding consumers’ data and interests.

Public Health and Gambling Restrictions

Caulfield noted that the core legislative framework emphasizes public health and safety, aiming to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children and those at risk of problem gambling.

Significant restrictions will govern advertising practices, including a watershed period during which gambling advertisements will be prohibited from reaching minors, specifically between 5:30 AM and 9 PM.

Operators will also face enhanced regulations around promotional offers, prohibited from targeting specific individuals or groups displaying signs of excessive gambling. Additionally, marketing communications will require explicit opt-in consent from adults.

Future Regulatory Measures and Additional Restrictions

Looking ahead, GRAI possesses discretionary powers to implement stricter measures if justified by evidence. The phased rollout of initial regulations will align with the launch of various licensing types.

“We are managing public expectations, as the introduction of these restrictions will be gradual and will take several years to align with best practices from established jurisdictions,” Caulfield explained.

A national gambling exclusion register will be established, enabling individuals to self-exclude from specific activities or all licensed operators. This register is expected to integrate seamlessly with licensed operators’ systems over the coming year.

“The timeframe for exclusion will be determined by the authority, with options for both long-term exclusions and temporary breaks for individuals needing financial respite,” Caulfield stated.

Funding and Social Impact Initiatives

During the final parliamentary debates last October, the funding model for GRAI was a key topic of discussion. Deputy James Browne, the bill’s sponsor, disclosed that the regulator would be financed through industry levies, ensuring minimal impact on taxpayers.

The specific levy rates on operators and suppliers are yet to be finalized, with the government tasked with determining contributions toward GRAI’s social impact fund.

“The social impact fund will be supported by a levy imposed on all licensed operators,” Caulfield explained to iGB. “This fund is crucial for financing education initiatives, research into gambling-related issues, and treatment programs aimed at mitigating gambling harms.”

Addressing the Black Market in Gambling

Regarding the concerns surrounding the black market, Caulfield acknowledged industry apprehensions but noted that it might not be as pervasive as suggested by stakeholders.

GRAI will undertake educational campaigns to inform the public of the dangers associated with black-market operators, promoting awareness of illegal platforms and the risks of sharing personal financial information.

The regulator is adopting measures similar to those in other jurisdictions to block illegal operators and websites effectively. “We have procured the necessary software and plan to deploy it in collaboration with other EU member states,” Caulfield stated.

Once the initial licenses are operational, GRAI will enhance collaboration with banks to prevent transactions linked to illegal operators. It also intends to engage with social media and search engine platforms to limit online access to these illegal sites.

Furthermore, GRAI contemplates implementing stricter regulations concerning B2B licenses, especially in scenarios where licensed software is utilized by black-market operators. “We believe that collaboration across jurisdictions is essential to eradicate this issue,” Caulfield added.

While GRAI’s leadership is optimistic about curbing illegal gambling, they recognize that no single strategy will eliminate the black market entirely. “We are committed to employing a multifaceted approach, mirroring the successful strategies of other jurisdictions, to prevent a thriving black market in Ireland,” Caulfield concluded.