GRAI Plans Severe Penalties for Irish Gambling Regulation Breaches

The newly established Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is set to impose strict penalties for breaches of Irish gambling laws and will vet senior executives of companies seeking gambling licences, according to its CEO, Anne Marie Caulfield. Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Caulfield emphasized that the regulator would use a “full toolkit” of enforcement powers to ensure player protection and compliance with regulations.

Caulfield, who officially took on her role as CEO when the GRAI commenced operations this month, stated that the regulator would scrutinize those responsible for overseeing gambling licensees. She also made it clear that the GRAI would impose “very severe penalties” on companies violating market rules. These penalties could range “from a notice of improvement to a €20m fine, or 10 per cent of turnover – whichever is greatest – to a suspension of a licence, revoking a licence and, in terms of the particular officers, key decision makers, there can also be consequences for them.”

The GRAI was established under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, which was approved in October and replaces the Betting Act of 1931. One of the regulator’s primary tasks will be to introduce a national gambling exclusion register, allowing individuals to self-exclude from all forms of gambling and related promotions.

Another key responsibility of the GRAI will be the creation and management of a Social Impact Fund, which will finance gambling harm research, education, and training through a mandatory levy imposed on gambling operators. This initiative mirrors the upcoming British gambling levy.

The regulator will also enforce advertising restrictions outlined in Ireland’s new gambling legislation, which bans gambling advertisements on television, radio, and on-demand audiovisual media between 5:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. Compliance with gambling advertising standards will also be monitored by the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASA Ireland).

Under the dual enforcement system, the GRAI will address complaints related to violations of the TV and radio advertising watershed and other obligations under the new legislation. Meanwhile, the ASA will handle complaints about breaches of the ASA code that do not directly relate to the Gambling Regulation Act.

Caulfield stressed that the GRAI would closely monitor gambling advertisements and is awaiting research on the effects of free bets. She highlighted that the regulator has the authority to introduce new regulations if necessary.

“For example, there can be warnings with regard to something akin to what you’d have on financial services products,” she explained. “Warnings about potential losses, directing people to areas where they can get assistance and help. There are different measures, further measures, that can be taken by the authority. So that is an area that will be looked at in due course.”

Expressing concerns about problem gambling in Ireland, Caulfield referenced a study conducted by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), which found that one in ten people experience significant or moderate harm from gambling and that 47 per cent of gambling turnover comes from such bettors. She emphasized the importance of protecting minors from gambling-related harm.

“Another thing that’s very worrying and does really justify clamping down very hard is children and gambling,” she stated. “When they analysed it, children who gamble before the age of 18 are twice as likely to develop harmful gambling in later life.”

Caulfield also pointed to research linking problem gambling and suicide, which identified 23 deaths where gambling was mentioned by the coroner. “We have met with numerous people with lived experience, and it is so devastating, not just for the individuals, but also for their families,” she said. “It really does reinforce the fact that we’ve been given a very responsible role, and it’s important, we owe to those people to do our job properly, and we’ll certainly be making every effort to do that over the coming years.”

Regarding new licensing requirements, Caulfield confirmed that charities and organizations such as GAA clubs that run lotteries and raffles will not be subject to immediate changes. However, she noted that in the future, prize money will be capped at €2,000.

By fLEXI tEAM