New Irish Gambling Authority to Enforce Executive Scrutiny

New Irish Gambling Authority to Enforce Executive Scrutiny

Ireland's gambling sector is entering a new regulation phase as the country's recently established Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) begins operations. Backed by the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, the regulator oversees licensing, enforcing compliance, and introducing mechanisms to reduce gambling-related harm. One of the most notable changes signals a shift in responsibility, as GRAI will now vet senior executives of companies applying for Irish gambling licenses.

Under this new framework, individuals holding decision-making positions will be assessed alongside the businesses they represent. According to GRAI's chief executive, Anne Marie Caulfield, the regulator intends to investigate the role of executives when evaluating applications or responding to market breaches. This additional layer of scrutiny introduces personal accountability for corporate actions, changing how gambling businesses approach leadership roles.

The range of penalties outlined for regulatory breaches is broad. Measures include improvement notices, financial penalties, license suspensions, or revocations. The financial sanctions could reach EUR 20 million or 10% of a company's turnover, depending on the higher figure. Caulfield emphasized that consequences would not be limited to corporate entities; executives directly involved in violations may also face regulatory action.

The introduction of executive vetting reflects a growing trend toward tighter industry governance. By targeting individual accountability, the GRAI aims to create stronger incentives for compliance at the highest levels of management. For gambling operators, this represents a shift in risk assessment, where leadership conduct could impact licensing status and operational continuity in Ireland.

Another of GRAI's initial tasks involves developing a national gambling exclusion register. The system will allow players to voluntarily block their access to all licensed gambling services and related marketing activities across the Irish market. This centralized approach to self-exclusion is designed to increase the effectiveness of existing responsible gambling tools, offering a unified mechanism for individuals seeking to manage their gambling habits.

The regulator will also oversee the creation of a Social Impact Fund. Modeled after similar initiatives in other jurisdictions, this fund will finance research, education, and harm-reduction programs. Contributions will be collected from licensed operators through a mandatory levy. For operators, this adds another financial obligation tied directly to social responsibility efforts, reshaping the economic model of market participation.

Advertising practices will also face tighter control under the new regime. The legislation introduces a watershed period, banning gambling advertisements on television, radio, and streaming platforms between 5:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. daily. These restrictions will be enforced between the GRAI and the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASAI). While GRAI will handle breaches of the new gambling laws, ASAI will address violations of broader advertising codes that fall outside the act's scope.

The regulator has signaled that advertising rules may evolve. Research is underway to examine the impact of promotions such as free bets, with the potential for further restrictions. Caulfield suggested that advertising in the gambling sector may eventually mirror practices in financial services, where warnings about potential risks are required. This could lead to new standards that direct players toward resources offering support and information.

Data collected by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has informed several of GRAI's priorities. According to the ESRI, around 10% of individuals in Ireland experience moderate to severe gambling harm. Notably, this group generates nearly half of the gambling industry's turnover. These findings have reinforced the regulator's focus on reducing harm, particularly among vulnerable populations.

A specific area of concern for the GRAI is underage gambling. Studies indicate that individuals who engage in gambling before the age of 18 face double the risk of developing harmful gambling patterns later in life. This connection is expected to influence future regulatory decisions, as the authority seeks ways to limit exposure and access among younger audiences.

Additional research has also drawn links between gambling-related harm and mental health outcomes. Caulfield referenced a report identifying 23 suicides where coroners cited gambling as a contributing factor. These findings have shaped the regulator's approach, increasing attention on safeguarding measures and intervention strategies.

The new licensing requirements will not take immediate effect for operators running lotteries and raffles, such as charities or local sports organizations. However, GRAI has confirmed that these groups will eventually be subject to prize limits, including a EUR 2,000 cap on rewards. This gradual implementation signals a balanced approach, allowing time for adjustment while ensuring all gambling industry sectors align with the new rules.

These changes present both operational challenges and strategic considerations for the online casino industry. Companies seeking to operate in Ireland will need to allocate resources for compliance, including executive vetting and contributions to the Social Impact Fund. Introducing stricter advertising regulations and the national exclusion register further increases the oversight of player engagement strategies.

Over time, these reforms will influence how the Irish gambling market operates. The regulatory shift toward personal accountability, financial risk-sharing, and harm reduction indicates a broader redefinition of market expectations. Online casino players may observe changes in marketing services, while operators face a recalibrated regulatory landscape that prioritizes oversight and social responsibility.