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The GRAI would like to hear the views of stakeholders, including operators and the public on the proposed regulations concerning licensing which will be commenced on a phased basis. Consultation Published: Monday 7th April 2025Submission period closes: 5pm on 5th May 2025About usWe are the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland. We were established on 5 March 2025. Our role is to regulate gambling activities in Ireland.The law that established us, and sets out what we do, is the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. Those who wish to provide gambling activities in Ireland will need a licence from us. We can issue different types of gambling licences for in person or remote gambling activities, including the following:1.    Business to consumer gambling licencesThis type of licence applies to those providing betting, gaming or lottery activities to consumers. 2.    Business to business gambling licencesThis type of licence applies to those selling or supplying a gambling product or gambling related service.3.    Licences for a charitable and philanthropic purposeThis type of licence applies to those who wish to provide betting, gaming, or lottery activities for charitable and philanthropic purposes.We intend to start our licensing function in a phased way, with different licence category types opening at different times.Our current plan is to first open for Business to Consumer betting licence applications in December 2025 (both in person and remote). This will be followed by opening for gaming licence applications (remote only) towards the end of the first quarter of 2026. However, the order and timing of commencement maybe subject to change. The license application process will take a number of months.  Once an application is submitted it will be reviewed to ensure all necessary information and documentation has been submitted.  We will then undertake various checks on the applicant and on the Information and documentation submitted to verify the information and to ensure it is given due consideration when making the decision to grant or refuse the license application. What is the purpose of this consultation?We have the power to make regulations.  Regulations are laws created by Ministers or public bodies under powers given to them by Acts of the Oireachtas. The first set of regulations we plan to make will:  a.    Set the application fee for applications for betting (in person and remote) and gaming (in person and remote) licences. This is provided for in section 38 of the 2024 Act.The second set of regulations we plan to make will:b.    Set the duration for which a gambling licence remains in force. This is provided for under section 108 of the 2024 Act.AND c.     Set out some additional conditions which will apply to gambling licences. This is provided for under section 129 of the 2024 Act.We would like to hear the views of stakeholders, including operators and the public on the proposed regulations. For more information including how to submit a response please visit: Please Note this Consultation has now closed  

Dublin, 3rd April 2025. The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland was delighted to host the CEO of the UK Gambling Commission in Dublin on the 2nd April 2025. During the visit both CEOs formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) and the UK Gambling Commission.This agreement establishes a framework for cooperation and sets out the broad principles of collaboration between the Gambling Regulator and the UK Gambling Commission. 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. As well as signing the document, there was a constructive bilateral meeting which discussed areas such as compliance, monitoring and enforcement, alongside other regulatory matters relevant to both jurisdictions. This is the first of a series of MOUs which the GRAI intends to put in place with other Gambling Regulators across the EU in the months ahead. On welcoming the agreement, CEO of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, Anne Marie Caulfield said: ‘This Memorandum of Understand with the UK Gambling Commission is an important step in formalising the working relationship between the two regulators and I would like to thank Andrew Rhodes, and a number of his colleagues across the various areas of the Commission for their advice and support over the past number of months. Ireland and the UK share many of the same operators and gambling practices, so putting this agreement in place will enhance our ability to share information and discharge our respective regulatory responsibilities effectively. Open dialogue and close cooperation between both jurisdictions is paramount and I greatly look forward to continuing this close cooperation’s for the years to come.’

 4 March 2025 - Press Release, Department of Justice  The Minister for Justice, Mr Jim O'Callaghan T.D. has today (Tuesday) signed the order to commence parts of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 to enable the Authority to become operational and the order to establish Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, on a statutory basis. Minister O’Callaghan has also approved the appointment of the seven members of this new, independent Authority, who will be appointed and commence their roles with effect from tomorrow, 5 March, 2025.  They will be the members of the Authority which is responsible for regulating and licencing all gambling providers in the State and which has wide ranging powers to regulate both in-person and online gambling, gaming and most lotteries. Mr. Paul Quinn has been appointed as chair of the Authority and the other newly appointed members are as follows:Ms. Celine CraigMs. Marion KellyMs. Rita PurcellMr. David HicksonMr. Michael McGrathDr. Colin O’Driscoll, Ordinary Member Minister O’Callaghan said:“Today marks a new era for the regulation of gambling in the Irish State.“The establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland is a further step towards replacing Ireland’s outdated gambling laws with a streamlined and simplified licensing framework, which will reflect the nature of modern gambling and take into account the harms associated with problem gambling, providing safeguards to protect people from those harms, especially children.“It is designed to meet the challenges of gambling responsibly in 21st century Ireland, providing clarity for operators and for consumers and taking a responsible approach to balancing the freedom to gamble with the safeguards to protect people from falling prey to addiction.“I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of my predecessor, Minister Helen McEntee and Minister James Browne, in the development of this legislation.” Minister O’Callaghan added:“I warmly congratulate Mr. Paul Quinn on his appointment as Chair of the new Authority and each of the newly appointed Authority members and wish them well in their new roles.“The newly appointed members will now join CEO Anne-Marie Caulfield and her staff in commencing the Authority’s operations and legislative powers, on a phased basis. I understand that this includes, as a priority, work on progressing the licensing process, with a view to inviting applications for some licence types within the coming year.” In accordance with the provisions of section 17 of the 2024 Act, appointments to the Authority will be for an initial period of three or four years. All members of the Authority may be reappointed for a second four-year term. Speaking this morning, Minister Browne stated:“Minister O’Callaghan’s actions today mark the culmination of much hard work and dedication by Minister McEntee, Ms. Caulfield, Minister O’Callaghan and myself, supported by a core team of Authority staff and Departmental officials.“I am pleased and encouraged at this Government’s commitment to continuing the phased commencement of the Authority’s operations and legislative powers as a priority.” Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, T.D., commented:“I welcome today’s development as an important step towards ensuring that the harms associated with gambling are minimised. I look forward to the Department of Health working with the Gambling Regulatory Authority on initiatives to promote and progress this important goal.” Welcoming the establishment of the Authority and the appointment of its members, the CEO of the GRAI Anne-Marie Caulfield said:“‘I greatly welcome the appointment of the seven-member Authority and the establishment of Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann. I would like to thank the Ministers, Oireachtas members, the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and Department of Justice officials for their work in bringing about our establishment.“I look forward to fulfilling our mandate and delivering a safe, well-regulated and transparent sector, with consumer protection at its core.”Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland established effective from 5 March 2025Seven members to be appointed to independent authority, including chair Mr Paul Quinn

Protecting consumers from gambling harms will be a key focus of the new Gambling Regulator.Press Release - 5th March 2025:  Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann, Ireland’s new Gambling Regulatory Authority was officially established today by the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, TD, heralding a new era in the regulation of Ireland’s gambling sector.Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann / The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland is the independent, statutory body responsible for regulating and licensing the gambling industry in Ireland.The new authority regulates in-person and online gambling, gaming, betting and certain lottery activities, including bingo.  It does not regulate the national lottery, which has its own regulator, or regulate fundraising conducted by political parties.It will license operators and set standards for the gambling, gaming and betting industry. Where the law is breached there is potential for licence revocation or suspension, substantial financial penalties (up to €20 million or 10 per cent of turnover) and / or criminal prosecution. The legislation provides for prison sentences of up to eight years for serious breaches, including failure to protect children from gambling.Mr Paul Quinn, Chair of the Authority said; “I am delighted to have been appointed Chair of the new Authority and  I look forward to working with my fellow Authority members and the Executive as we begin regulating this very important sector.   Our role is to make sure that gambling is well regulated and fair, that standards are in place and monitored, and that protections are there for those who are most vulnerable, particularly children.“Anne Marie Caulfield and her team have undertaken very important development work which will allow the Authority to commence its vital work without delay.  We look forward to building a high standard of protection for consumers and to ensuring the integrity and fairness of gambling operations in Ireland”.Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland said;  “I look forward to working with our new Authority to progress the work which has been undertaken in preparation for the establishment of a new gambling sector regulatory regime.   We have undertaken a lot of work to understand the extent of gambling in Ireland, the drivers of gambling harms and the impact of inducements and advertising on gambling behaviours.  We have also engaged with a broad range of stakeholders including with industry, charities and people who have lived experience of harm caused by gambling.Ms. Caulfield said that the establishment of a new licensing regime is well underway, and that the Authority has appointed its senior management team in licensing, consumer protection, compliance, IT, enforcement and corporate services.  She also said that development work on licencing and operational financial models has been completed with the aim of ensuring the new Regulator can quickly become self-funding.Ms Caulfield emphasised that public safety is at the heart of the Gambling Regulatory Authority’s work. “While most people who gamble do so safely, a 2023 ESRI study estimated that 130,000 adults in Ireland are experiencing problem gambling with a further 279,000 identified as experiencing moderate levels of problem gambling.   Greater awareness and education about harms from gambling will be a key focus of the Authority.  Safeguards will be enacted to protect and prohibit children from participating in gambling or presenting on premises where gambling activities are ongoing specifically and expressly. The Authority will uphold these safeguards and ensure that they are adhered to within the gambling industry”.A Social Impact Fund will be established with the purpose of collecting mandatory contributions from licensees to fund research on harms associated with gambling and to support initiatives that raise awareness around this subjectThe Authority also has the power to determine the times, places, and events that gambling advertising can be displayed, broadcast, or published.  Gambling advertising on social media is prohibited by legislation, and a watershed prohibition of gambling advertising on television and radio between the hours of 5:30 AM and 9:00 PM will also come into effect.

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), once established, will be responsible for the licensing and regulation of gambling services in Ireland, to streamline the process for complaints around advertising for gambling they have partnered with the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA)GRAI will now advise consumers they can direct complaints around gambling advertising to the Advertising Standards Authority. Under the new partnership, ASA and GRAI will work collaboratively on triaging complaints around marketing communications for gambling in Ireland. In this regard, the GRAI will in future deal with complaints regarding entities who hold a licence with the organisation, whilst the Advertising Standards Authority will handle other complaints.The GRAI, once established, will protect the public by promoting a gambling sector that operates transparently and in accordance with the laws of Ireland, particularly the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. This Act contains a number of restrictions on licences in relation to advertising, social media and more. It will also create awareness of problem gambling and establish safeguards to address it. By working with the Advertising Standards Authority, as the GRAI’s powers are commenced, we will aim to address any concerns raised by the public about advertising in and surrounding gambling promptly and effectively, in line with the Advertising Standard Authority’s code. Our partnership reiterates our commitment to safeguard the public, and to ensure they are informed and protected by upholding the highest standards of marketing communications.Anne-Marie Caulfield, CEO Designate, GRAI

As of the 23rd October 2024, the Gambling Regulation Act has become law.gov.ie - Minister Browne welcomes passing of historic legislation to streamline, strengthen and modernise gambling regulationThis is a major milestone for the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland. Over the coming months we eagerly await the appointment of the Authority and the commencement of operations on a phased basis.

First Irish study on suicide and gambling identifies 23 deaths where gambling was noted in coroner filesA qualitative analysis of people who died by suicide and had gambling documented in their coronial file