The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland Commences Operations

Ireland’s plans for a tightly regulated gambling industry have come full circle with the official establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). Minister of Justice Jim O’Callaghan signed the order to officially commence the authority’s operations.

GRAI is anticipated to enforce the Gambling Regulation Act 2022, which was passed in October 2024. Under its regulatory framework, the authority will ensure player protection and responsible gambling in retail and online establishments. It will also focus on licensing lotteries, except the national lottery.

A Pivotal Regulatory Step

GRAI’s launch has been received positively, and high expectations are set for its execution of legislative power. Minister O’Callaghan underscored the authority’s significance, stating, “The establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland is a further step towards replacing Ireland’s outdated gambling laws with a streamlined and simplified licensing framework.”

Department of Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill also expressed enthusiasm for the government and gambling industry’s combined effort to promote safe gambling with the establishment of authority.

Leadership Framework

Paul Quinn, former chief executive of the Office of Government Procurement, will lead the GRAI as its Chair. He will serve alongside Celine Craig, Dr Colin O’Driscoll, Marion Kelly, Michael McGrath SC, David Hickson, and Rita Purcell as board members.

Leading the GRAI as its CEO is Anne-Marie Caulfield, a celebrated contributor to the authority’s regulatory structure since she was onboarded in 2022. Speaking gleefully on her new role, Caulfield stated, “I greatly welcome the establishment of the seven-member authority. We are committed to delivering a safe, well-regulated, and transparent sector, with consumer protection at its core.”

A Focus on Player Protection and Safe Gambling

GRAI is expected to enforce several measures introduced by the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 to curb gambling-related harm. In due course, the authority will prohibit using credit cards for gambling, establish a national gambling exclusion register, and limit gambling advertisements during the daytime.

As for funding, GRAI will operate through tax revenue collected from the gambling industry, ensuring no financial burden to taxpayers. The authority will commence the phased implementation of its various legislative powers and will soon be receiving applications for different gambling license types within this year.