Ireland’s Gambling Regulator to Impose Tough Penalties

Ireland’s new Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRAI) is preparing to crack down on rule-breaking operators with a strict enforcement strategy.

With penalties reaching €20 million or 10% of a company’s turnover, GRAI aims to protect players, ensure industry integrity, and hold executives accountable.

The regulator is also focused on tackling problem gambling, enforcing advertising restrictions, and creating a national self-exclusion system.

Ireland’s Gambling Regulator to Enforce Severe Penalties for Rule Breaches

Key Points of the GRAI’s Regulatory Strategy

• Fines up to €20M or 10% of turnover for companies violating gambling regulations.
• Senior executives of gambling operators to be vetted for compliance and accountability.
• New national self-exclusion system and social impact fund to combat problem gambling.

GRAI’s Approach to Strengthening Gambling Regulation

The GRAI, established under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, has officially begun operations, replacing outdated legislation from 1931.

Its CEO, Anne Marie Caulfield, confirmed that all gambling operators and executives will be held accountable under the new framework.

“We will use our full enforcement toolkit to ensure compliance—from improvement notices to licence revocations,” Caulfield told the Irish Examiner.

Key enforcement measures include:

• Vetting company executives – Ensuring key decision-makers meet compliance standards.
• Severe financial penalties – Fines up to €20M or 10% of total turnover (whichever is greater).
• Licence suspensions & revocations – Immediate action against repeat offenders.

GRAI’s Focus on Player Protection and Responsible Gambling

The regulator’s top priority is strengthening player protection measures, particularly for problem gamblers and minors.

Key initiatives include:

National Gambling Self-Exclusion Register

• Players can self-exclude from all gambling services and promotions.
• Operators must enforce exclusion across both online and retail gambling.

Social Impact Fund

• Funded by a mandatory levy on gambling operators.
• Supports problem gambling research, education, and treatment programs.

Tighter Advertising Restrictions

• TV, radio, and online gambling ads banned between 5:30 AM and 9 PM.
• No gambling ads featuring celebrities, influencers, or athletes.
• New regulations under review for further consumer protections.

“Warnings, similar to financial products, may be introduced to highlight potential losses and offer support services,” Caulfield added.

Problem Gambling and Suicide Concerns

A study by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) revealed alarming statistics:

• One in ten Irish adults experience gambling-related harm.
• 47% of gambling revenue comes from at-risk gamblers.
• Children who gamble before 18 are twice as likely to develop gambling addiction.

A separate study linked 23 suicide cases in Ireland to problem gambling, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.

“We’ve met with many people affected by gambling addiction, and their stories reinforce our responsibility to act decisively,” Caulfield stated.

Future Licensing Changes for Charities and Lotteries

GAA clubs and charities running lotteries and raffles will face new licensing requirements.

Expected changes include:

• A €2,000 cap on prize money.
• New licensing rules—though full implementation is still several years away.

A New Era for Gambling Regulation in Ireland

The GRAI is set to redefine Ireland’s gambling industry with strict enforcement, enhanced player protections, and regulatory oversight.

Key takeaways:

• Gambling operators will face severe financial penalties and licence suspensions for non-compliance.
• A national self-exclusion system and social impact fund will support responsible gambling efforts.
• Tighter advertising restrictions aim to protect minors and vulnerable players.

As GRAI continues to develop its regulatory framework, operators will need to adapt or risk facing some of the toughest penalties in Europe.