Ireland’s new gambling regulator is now operational, but the multibillion-euro industry will continue operating without strict oversight until mid-2026, delaying crucial funding for addiction support services.
The Gambling Regulation Authority of Ireland (GRAI) was formally established in March when Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan appointed its senior leadership, including civil servant Paul Quinn as chair. However, the authority’s licensing regime and enforcement powers won’t begin until the middle of next year.
The delay means a Social Impact Fund designed to help people with gambling problems will remain unfunded until companies begin registering under the new system. The fund, which will be financed through registration duties, fines and penalty money from licence holders, was intended to invest in treatment services, education and research programs.
Growing Concern Over Youth Gambling
Labour TD Mark Wall, who raised the issue through a parliamentary question, expressed concern about the prolonged timeline given the scale of gambling-related problems in Ireland.
“People who are dealing with gambling addiction desperately need the Social Impact Fund operational as soon as possible,” Wall told The Journal.
He pointed to recent research showing that over 20% of Irish 16-year-olds, predominantly boys, have gambled in the past year. “This is not just a statistic; it’s a reflection of the real and growing crisis affecting our youth,” Wall added.
The fund will support educational and awareness initiatives, research programs, and training for professionals dealing with gambling addiction. Both public and private organizations that provide treatment for gambling harm will benefit from the funding.
New Regulatory Framework Taking Shape
O’Callaghan confirmed that GRAI is building toward full operation with 35 employees expected to be in place by the end of this year. Staffing levels will continue expanding through 2026 and 2027 as the new regulatory framework becomes fully operational.
Licence holders will contribute to the Social Impact Fund based on a percentage of their annual turnover, though specific rates have not yet been announced. A consultation process on the fund’s structure recently concluded.
Sweeping Industry Changes Ahead
The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 introduces comprehensive reforms to Ireland’s gambling sector. Key measures include banning free betting opportunities for individual users, prohibiting the use of credit cards to fund gambling accounts, and implementing stricter advertising regulations.
Gaming companies will be required to verify user identities through photo identification, while creating gambling accounts for anyone under 18 will become a criminal offense.
Currently, only the legislation establishing GRAI itself has been enacted, meaning gambling operators face no legal requirement to implement operational changes until the full regulatory regime begins.
The extended timeline reflects the complexity of regulating an industry that operates across multiple platforms and jurisdictions, but critics argue the delay prolongs a period of minimal oversight in a sector known for aggressive marketing and potentially harmful practices.
GRAI describes the development and rollout of the Social Impact Fund as a “key priority” as it prepares to assume full regulatory authority over Ireland’s gambling industry in the coming years.