Ireland has formally launched the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), bringing a brand new period of playing regulation to the nation. Established beneath the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, the GRAI started operations on March 5, 2025, with a mandate to supervise each retail and on-line playing, introduce new licensing necessities, and implement stricter participant safety measures.
The transfer replaces Ireland’s fragmented playing legal guidelines with a streamlined framework, reflecting trendy business tendencies whereas prioritizing client security. Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan known as it “a responsible approach to balancing the freedom to gamble with safeguards to protect people from falling prey to addiction”Regulating Online and Retail Gambling*
The GRAI has been tasked with licensing all playing suppliers in Ireland, together with on-line betting, gaming, and most lotteries—besides the nationwide lottery. Its remit contains client safety measures, such as banning bank card playing and inducements like VIP perks, free bets, and free hospitality.
They additionally prohibit playing ads, with a ban on TV and radio advertisements between 5:30 a.m. and 9 p.m., geared toward decreasing publicity to youngsters. Additionally, sa advertising and marketing now requires opt-in consent from adults.
A serious part of the framework is the introduction of a nationwide self-exclusion register, enabling people to voluntarily block themselves from playing throughout all licensed operators .
Leadership and RPriorities
Leading the brand new authority is Paul Quinn, former CEO of Ireland’s Office of Government Procurement, who has been appointed as chairperson. The seven-member board contains Celine Craig, a former media commissioner, Marion Kelly of the Irish Banking Culture Board, and Rita Purcell, deputy CEO of the Health Products Regulatory Authority.
Other appointees embody Dav, a monetary knowledgeable, Michael McGrath, a senior authorized skilled, and Dr. Colin O’Driscoll, an dependancy psychologist. Anne-Marie Caulfield, who has been engaged on the authority’s institution since 2022, will serve as CEO, overseeing its operations.
Caulfield emphasised the regulator’s coo “delivering a safe, well-regulated, and transparent sector, with consumer protection at its core”.
Funding and Industry Impact
Concerns in regards to the monetary independence** of the GRAI had been raised in the course of the closing parliamentary debates. However, officers confirmed that the playing business would fund the regulator by levies, guaranteeing there isn’t any monetary burden on taxpayers.
Minister James Browne assured lawmakers that “this reguhority will not be toothless or fruitless. It will regulate an industry that we estimate is worth €6 billion”, reinforcing the authority’s robust regulatory powers.
New Licensing System and Future Developments
The GRAI’g course of can be launched in phases, with functions for sure license sorts anticipated inside the subsequent yr. The objective is to create a clear and well-regulated playing sector.
Department of Health will collaborate with the GRAI to advertise accountable playing initiatives. Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill known as the authority’s institution “an important step towards ensuring that the harms associated with gambling are minimized”.
With its regulatory framework now in place, Ireland’s playing sector is ready for transformation**, balancing business development with stricter client protections.
Source:
“Minister O’Callaghan establishes GRAI, approving the appointment of members as new licensing & regulatory framework for gambling begins” Government of Ireland, March 4, 2025.
