Ireland’s New Gambling Regulator to Vet Executives and Enforce Strict Compliance

Regulator to Scrutinize Senior Executives

As part of its licensing process, the GRAI will assess the backgrounds of key decision-makers within gambling companies.

Caulfield confirmed that the regulator would impose significant penalties on businesses that fail to comply with market rules.

Sanctions could range from a formal notice to fines of up to €20 million or 10% of a company’s turnover—whichever is higher.

In serious cases, licences could be suspended or revoked, and individual executives could also face consequences.

New Regulatory Framework and Enforcement Powers

The GRAI was established under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, which replaced the outdated Betting Act of 1931.

One of the regulator’s first major initiatives will be the introduction of a national self-exclusion register. This system will allow players to exclude themselves from all gambling activities and related promotions.

The GRAI will also oversee the creation of a Social Impact Fund, similar to the planned British gambling levy.

This fund will finance gambling harm research, education, and training through a mandatory levy on gambling operators.

Tightening Controls on Gambling Advertising

Under Ireland’s new gambling laws, advertising restrictions will be significantly tightened. A key provision includes a ban on gambling advertisements on TV, radio, and on-demand audiovisual media between 5:30 AM and 9:00 PM.

The Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASA Ireland) will play a role in ensuring compliance.

Complaints about breaches of the TV and radio watershed or other legal obligations will be handled by the GRAI.

Meanwhile, the ASA will oversee violations related to its advertising code but not directly linked to gambling legislation.

Caulfield stressed that gambling advertising would be closely monitored. The regulator is currently awaiting research on the impact of free bets and may introduce additional restrictions if needed.

“For example, there can be warnings with regard to something akin to what you’d have on financial services products,” she said.

“Warnings about potential losses, directing people to areas where they can get assistance and help. There are different measures, further measures, that can be taken by the authority. So that is an area that will be looked at in due course.”

Addressing Problem Gambling and Protecting Minors

Caulfield has voiced concerns about the extent of problem gambling in Ireland. A study by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) found that one in ten people suffer moderate to severe gambling harm.

Alarmingly, 47% of total gambling turnover comes from these high-risk players.

A key focus of the GRAI will be protecting minors. Caulfield highlighted research showing that individuals who gamble before the age of 18 are twice as likely to develop gambling-related harm later in life.

“Another thing that’s very worrying and does really justify clamping down very hard is children and gambling,” she said.

Additionally, she referenced a study linking problem gambling to suicide, which identified 23 cases where gambling was noted by coroners.

Caulfield underscored the devastating impact of gambling harm on individuals and their families, stressing the regulator’s duty to implement effective safeguards.

Lottery Licensing for Charities Delayed

While new licensing requirements will eventually apply to charities and organisations such as GAA clubs running lotteries and raffles, these changes will not take effect for several years.

However, once implemented, a €2,000 limit will be placed on prize money.