Ireland’s newly established Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is set to prioritise gambling harm reduction and compliance with new regulations. Chief Executive Anne-Marie Caulfield, in an interview with the Irish Examiner, expressed concerns over problem gambling rates in Ireland, which are reportedly 10 times higher than previously thought.
Under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, GRAI aims to modernise outdated gambling laws and has outlined strict enforcement actions for non-compliance, including fines of up to €20m or 10% of a company’s turnover. In addition to fines, operators may face license suspensions or revocations. The GRAI will also vet top executives as part of the licensing process, ensuring that industry leaders are proactive in mitigating gambling harms.
A significant aspect of GRAI’s strategy includes the creation of a National Gambling Exclusion Register, enabling individuals struggling with gambling addiction to self-exclude from all gambling activities. Additionally, a Social Impact Fund will be introduced to finance research, education, and resources focused on tackling gambling addiction.
When it comes to advertising, which remains a contentious issue in many countries, the GRAI has yet to provide clear guidelines. Advertising, particularly sports sponsorships, has sparked debate among Ireland’s sports bodies. The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) has advocated for cutting ties with betting ads, while the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) leaves it up to individual clubs.
The GRAI’s decision on advertising will be closely monitored, and its impact could influence gambling regulation in other European nations like the UK, Netherlands, and Belgium.
This modernised approach reflects the growing global trend of balancing consumer protection with the financial needs of sports clubs, many of which rely heavily on betting sponsorships. The GRAI is expected to tackle advertising regulations in due course, offering a potential shift in the landscape of Irish sports betting.
