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We are currently recruiting for a number of key roles within the GRAI team. The roles are: Assistant Director of Compliance (AP)Consumer Protection, Communications and Engagement Manager (HEO)Business Partner (Higher Executive Officer) For further information and how to apply please visit the Careers section of our website.Closing Date for receipt of applications: Monday, 9th March 2026 (3pm).

The GRAI is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the following licence types: Remote Betting LicenceRemote Betting Intermediary LicenceIn-Person Betting LicenceApplicants can now access the Operator Portal to register and begin the application process.For further information see here 

Minister Jim O'Callaghan signs Commencement Order paving the way for GRAI to open for remote and in-person licensing applicationsThe Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland opens its new licensing regime for online and in-person betting licensesNew regulations require background checks, premises inspections, and notices of intent for all prospective gambling and betting operators4 February 2026 – Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan TD has today signed a commencement order which allows for the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) to begin accepting and processing applications for remote and in-person betting licences in line with the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. The order also commences other key elements of the Act, including the enforcement and complaints functions that will underpin the new licensing framework.The Authority has formally agreed to open for the operation of in-person and online betting, with effect from Monday 9th February 2026, marking a milestone for the GRAI’s regulatory and oversight capabilities.Potential licensees will now undergo a centralised application system in which applicants provide information to the GRAI which is thoroughly examined and vetted before a licence is granted. A phased approach for different licence types, including remote, in-person, and remote betting intermediary licences, will be undertaken to ensure an efficient transition.Prospective licensees must meet suitability requirements to ensure that operators are fit and proper to hold the licence concerned, can demonstrate the capacity to provide the gambling activity (including funding any winnings), and that winning will be funded from lawful activities.    This new framework will ensure that operators are promoting responsible gambling practices and that the most vulnerable in society, especially children, are protected from gambling harms.Paul Quinn, Chairperson of the GRAI, said: “I welcome the commencement by Minister O’Callaghan of the GRAI’s licensing function, which will provide the Authority with the statutory and legislative powers to regulate the gambling industry.“Ensuring that operators are transparent and comply with regulatory requirements underpins the entirety of the licensing framework and keeps our public health mandate at its core.“The GRAI’s Strategy Statement 2025 – 2027 outlines the importance of an effective, efficient, and proportionate licensing regime, and this is the foundation of a well-regulated gambling environment in Ireland.”Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO of the GRAI, said: “Today marks a monumental step in the GRAI’s regulatory journey, one that will enable us to fulfil the legislative requirements entrusted to us.“I want to thank the Licensing and ICT teams for their hard work over the past year; their thorough crafting of the new licensing regime will ensure that only reputable operators become licensed in Ireland and, as a result, the public will be safeguarded from gambling harm.“I would also like to thank Minister O’Callaghan and his officials for their support in progressing the necessary orders to allow us to open for licensing.”“The GRAI looks forward to receiving the first applications for licenses as we implement a comprehensive and robust process. I would encourage all operators to engage with the new process as early as possible to ensure that their application can be processed in a timely manner.”Ends.

Problem gambling higher among those exposed to gambling as children Problem gambling is much more likely among people exposed to gambling as children, according to research conducted by the ESRI’s Behavioural Research Unit and commissioned by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland. The study found that rates of problem gambling are significantly higher among people who gambled as children, whose parents gambled, or whose parents had positive attitudes towards gambling.‘Problem gambling’ means that a person’s gambling disrupts and damages their life, with negative impacts on finances, wellbeing and social circles. The research gathered anonymous online responses from a representative sample of more than 1,600 adults. The researchers compared current gambling behaviour with childhood experiences, controlling for social background. The data revealed a strong link. Those who gambled as a child were almost twice as likely to suffer from problem gambling. Having a parent who gambled increased the likelihood of problem gambling by one third, while parental attitudes to gambling had a similarly large effect. People who both gambled as children and had a parent who gambled a lot were four times more likely to suffer from problem gambling.The majority of the sample had engaged in at least some form of gambling when under 18 years old. The most common forms were slot machines, scratch cards, horse or dog betting, gambling amongst friends, bingo and lotteries.Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, said, “This research provides clear evidence of the long-term potential harms resulting from childhood exposure to gambling. It reinforces the importance of a well-regulated gambling sector that protects children and those vulnerable to gambling harm. It also points to the need for awareness and education among our young people, their parents, and guardians on gambling related harms."To coincide with the release of this report, the GRAI have published advice for parents on how best to approach the topic of gambling and associated dangers with their children on our website. This advice was developed in collaboration with the HSE Addiction Services and provides a useful tool for parents.”The full report can be found here

15 October 2025 – The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) today published its Statement of Strategy for 2025 to 2027, setting out its strategic priorities over the next three years as it establishes a robust regulatory and licensing regime for the gambling sector and delivers on its public protection mandate.Established on a statutory basis in March 2025, the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 sets out the framework and legislative basis for the GRAI which will operate as an independent, self-financing regulator under the remit of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.Minister Jim O’Callaghan TD, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration launched the new Strategy alongside Mr Paul Quinn, Chair of the Authority, and Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO of the GRAI.The Statement of Strategy sets out the GRAI’s priorities over the next three years with particular focus on six functional areas with related strategic goals reflecting the GRAI’s legislative mandate:1.      Licensing2.      Monitoring and Compliance3.      Enforcement4.      Consumer Protection and Awareness5.      People, Organisation, and Governance6.      Digital First Each goal is supported by objectives and deliverables which will guide the GRAI’s progress through to 2027.Jim O’Callaghan TD, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs Migration said: “I commend the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland on the publication of its first Statement of Strategy, which is an important milestone for the Authority, the gambling sector in Ireland and for the wider public.“This strategy is not just about regulation; it is about educating the public, protecting those vulnerable to gambling harm, and ensuring that the industry operates to the highest standards of integrity and social responsibility. As Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration I am committed to supporting the Authority in delivering on its mandate.”Paul Quinn, Chairperson of the GRAI, said: “As a newly established independent regulator, we have been entrusted with a vital public mandate: to ensure that gambling in Ireland is conducted in a safe, fair, and transparent manner, with the interests of individuals, families, and the wider community at its heart.“Our work is grounded in the principles of prevention, protection, and evidence-based regulation. This Statement of Strategy sets out the roadmap to delivering a modern, fair, and trusted regulatory regime that reflects the constantly evolving nature of gambling and the expectations of the Irish public.“Establishing the new licensing arrangements, compliance management, and enforcement functions during the term of this Strategy is central to reducing the likelihood of gambling harms and will underpin a well-regulated gambling market in Ireland.”Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO of the GRAI, said: “The Statement of Strategy outlines the vision, mission, and values of the Regulator through to 2027. Each goal within the Strategy outlines a thorough approach to our main functions, from building a robust licensing regime that will ensure operators are consistently adhering to standards to supporting research and educational initiatives that enhance our capabilities as a Regulator”.The GRAI’s Statement of Strategy 2025 – 2027 has been approved by the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and we look forward to achieving our strategic goals together.”The full Statement of Strategy can be viewed here: English version / Irish version

The GRAI over the past number of months has been assisting and consulting with the Union of Students in Ireland on the 2025 National Student Survey. This is a very important piece of work and the results of the survey will inform policy for the students union and the regulator. Researchers at Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn (formerly Union of Students Ireland -USI) and the School of Biomedical Sciences at Ulster University have developed this online survey to investigate gambling behaviours, drug use, and mental health in third level students on the Island of Ireland. The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and consists of the following sections: a demographics section, a section on gambling behaviour, a section on drug use, and a section on mental health. Ethical approval has been granted by the School of Biomedical Sciences Ethics Filter Committee at Ulster University. This study is completely anonymous. There is an optional prize draw to thank you for your participation. If you would like to be included in that draw, you will be given the option to be taken to a different website at the end of the survey to enter your details to ensure that the information you provide in the survey remains anonymous.You can take part in the survey here

This report represents the findings of a national stakeholder consultation commissioned by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) in partnership with Pobal, to inform the strategic direction of the new Social Impact Fund. The fund represents a critical opportunity to deliver a coordinated, system level response to gambling-related harm in Ireland and to address the longstanding gaps in prevention, treatment and recovery supports.This consultation marks the first stage in the development of the fund’s investment strategy. Its purpose was to identify priority areas for action drawing on the lived, professional and organisational experiences of those most directly affected by or working to address gambling harm.A broader public consultation, including input on the structure of the statutory annual contribution from licensed gambling operators will follow. The findings presented here reflect the views and insights of consultation participants and do not represent prevalence data or formal evaluations. Recognising the escalating scale and complexity of gambling-related harm in Ireland, the consultation was designed to provide a grounded, context specific needs analysis. Five tailored stakeholder questionnaires were completed by 162 respondents and five focus group workshops engaged 54 participants across key sectors. These included individuals with lived experience of gambling addiction, affected family members, gambling counsellors, residential and community-based treatment providers, NGOs and academic researchers. This mixed-methods approach generated rich qualitative insights to inform the national strategy. Findings across all groups highlight a strong consensus that while valuable work is underway, the national response to gambling harm remains limited in scale, inconsistently coordinated and marked by service and policy gaps. The absence of a dedicated national framework and unified referral pathways were recurring concerns. Participants viewed the Social Impact Fund as a foundational mechanism to strengthen infrastructure, address service gaps and invest in sustainable responses.Read the full report: here

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland is pleased to learn that PTSB, one of Ireland's biggest retail banks has announced that they will now offer a digital voluntary block for customers who wish to stop card transactions involving gambling.On welcoming the announcement of the initiative , CEO of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, Anne Marie Caulfield said: ‘’We very much welcome PTSB’s introduction of an in-app gambling block, this represents a proactive and valuable Consumer Protection measure  helping to reduce the risk of gambling -related harms.’’The Gambling Regulator has had engagement with the Irish Banking Culture Board, the Irish Banking and Payments Federation and individual banks over the past number of months to encourage as many financial institutions as possible to offer these blocking facilities as a consumer protection measure for their customers suffering from gambling harm or who wish to take a break from gambling.This means that PTSB now join Bank of Ireland, AIB, EBS and Revolut in offering their customers a gambling blocking facility. The GRAI offers practical advice on ways in which to limit exposure to gambling including bank blocking, gambling blocking software and limiting advertising online, available on our website here.Many Gambling operators also offer exclusion systems for their customers that want to step back from gambling. Following the establishment of the GRAI in March, we are now working on the design and development of the National Gambling Exclusion Register, so that it will be operational as soon as possible following the commencement of our licensing function. The obligation on online operators to interact with the register is set out in the Act. We will also continue to work with stakeholders to build on these initiatives and ensure greater support and guidance is in place for those that need them. For more information on Gambling Safety please click hereFor the full PTSB announcements please click   here 

As we prepare for the commencement of licensing in the coming months the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland has published Licensing Application Guidance to assist operators and future licensees familiarise themselves with the licensing process and the various steps to successfully submit their licence application. Under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, providers of gambling activities operating in Ireland or providing gambling products / gambling related services to consumers in Ireland will require a gambling licence granted by the GRAI. The initial focus is on opening for certain Business-to-Consumer licence applications. Applications for Business-to Business gambling licences and licences for charitable and philanthropic purposes will be accepted at a later stage. Please refer to the licensing section for details of those who require a licence and the phased opening for gambling licence applications.We intend to accept online applications for both in-person and remote Business-to Consumer Betting licences later this year. In the interim, existing and prospective gambling operators are encouraged to apply for and renew licensing under existing arrangements with the Revenue Commissioners, under the Betting Act 1931 and the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956. Lottery licence and permit applications will continue to be assessed by the District Courts and An Garda Síochána respectively until new licensing arrangements are in place.You can view the document in full here and familiarise yourself with the approach. The Gambling Regulator will be here to assist with the process and licensing queries can be addressed to: licensing@grai.ie

Dublin-June 25th. As part of the process to put in place information sharing agreements with other regulatory bodies, CEO of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, Anne Marie Caulfield signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Commissioner Andrew Lynam representing the Gibraltarian Gambling Regulator. This agreement establishes a framework for cooperation and sets out the broad principles of collaboration between the Gambling Regulator and the Gibraltarian authorities. The shared aims of both regulators are to enable closer working relationships which will enhance each organisation's ability to discharge their respective duties and functions.The Gibraltarians have given their time generously in the set up phase of the GRAI and their support and advice has been greatly received.This is the third of a series of MOUs which the GRAI intends to put in place with other Gambling Regulators in other jurisdictions over the coming months as we move towards opening for our first phase of licensing On welcoming the agreement, CEO of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, Anne Marie Caulfield said:'This Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Gibraltarian Gambling Commissioner Andrew Lynam, representing the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority is a significant step in formalising the working relationship between regulators in Ireland and Gibraltar. Given how many Gambling Operators are active in both jurisdictions this Memorandum of Understanding will be the first step in cementing what will be a positive and mutually beneficial working relationship between both organisations. This is another important  step in the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland series of MOUs with fellow regulators.We would also like to take the opportunity to welcome Andrew Lynam, CEO of the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority to Dublin and to thank him, and his team, for their ongoing support and assistance to GRAI. '