Ireland has officially launched the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), bringing a new era of gambling regulation to the country. Established under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, the GRAI began operations on March 5, 2025, with a mandate to oversee both retail and online gambling, introduce new licensing requirements, and enforce stricter player protection measures.
The move replaces Ireland’s fragmented gambling laws with a streamlined framework, reflecting modern industry trends while prioritizing consumer safety. Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan called 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 gambling providers in Ireland, including online betting, gaming, and most lotteries—except the national lottery. Its remit includes consumer protection measures, such as banning credit card gambling and inducements like VIP perks, free bets, and free hospitality.
They also restrict gambling advertisements, with a ban on TV and radio ads between 5:30 a.m. and 9 p.m., aimed at reducing exposure to children. Additionally, sa marketing now requires opt-in consent from adults.
A major component of the framework is the introduction of a national self-exclusion register, enabling individuals to voluntarily block themselves from gambling across all licensed operators .
Leadership and RPriorities
Leading the new authority is Paul Quinn, former CEO of Ireland’s Office of Government Procurement, who has been appointed as chairperson. The seven-member board includes 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 include Dav, a financial expert, Michael McGrath, a senior legal professional, and Dr. Colin O’Driscoll, an addiction psychologist. Anne-Marie Caulfield, who has been working on the authority’s establishment since 2022, will serve as CEO, overseeing its operations.
Caulfield emphasized the regulator’s coo “delivering a safe, well-regulated, and transparent sector, with consumer protection at its core”.
Funding and Industry Impact
Concerns about the financial independence** of the GRAI were raised during the final parliamentary debates. However, officials confirmed that the gambling industry would fund the regulator through levies, ensuring there is no financial 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 strong regulatory powers.
New Licensing System and Future Developments
The GRAI’g process will be introduced in phases, with applications for certain license types expected within the next year. The goal is to create a transparent and well-regulated gambling sector.
Department of Health will collaborate with the GRAI to promote responsible gambling initiatives. Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill called the authority’s establishment “an important step towards ensuring that the harms associated with gambling are minimized”.
With its regulatory framework now in place, Ireland’s gambling sector is set for transformation**, balancing industry growth with stricter consumer 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.