Ireland Reshapes Gambling Industry with New Regulatory Authority and Executive Scrutiny

Ireland’s gambling landscape is entering a transformative era as the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) officially begins overseeing the sector under the Gambling Regulation Act 2025. This newly empowered regulator is tasked with issuing licenses, ensuring compliance, and enforcing harm-reduction strategies, significantly raising standards across the board.

A key innovation introduced by the GRAI is the vetting of senior executives within gambling firms seeking Irish licenses. This marks a strategic pivot towards individual accountability, where decision-makers are assessed alongside their organizations. As explained by GRAI Chief Executive Anne Marie Caulfield, the regulator will investigate executive conduct during licensing evaluations and in cases of regulatory breaches.

Executive Accountability & Financial Penalties

The introduction of personal scrutiny aims to deter misconduct at the leadership level. For operators, it means leadership actions could now directly influence licensing outcomes. Penalties for non-compliance range from improvement orders and license suspensions to severe financial fines — potentially reaching €20 million or 10% of global turnover, whichever is higher. Executives involved in violations may also face direct sanctions.

This shift aligns Ireland with global trends emphasizing transparency and corporate responsibility, setting new expectations for operators in the online casino sector.

Player Protection: Self-Exclusion Register and Social Impact Fund

Another pillar of the regulatory overhaul is the national self-exclusion register. This centralized system will allow individuals to block themselves from all licensed gambling platforms and related marketing communications. The goal is to streamline existing tools and offer a more comprehensive resource for players managing gambling habits.

Additionally, GRAI is introducing a Social Impact Fund to support education, treatment, and harm-reduction programs. Funded by a mandatory levy on licensed operators, this initiative ties social responsibility directly to the cost of doing business in Ireland’s iGaming market.

Advertising Restrictions and Evolving Standards

New advertising rules are also coming into effect. A watershed ban will prohibit gambling advertisements on TV, radio, and streaming platforms between 5:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.. Enforcement will be shared between GRAI and the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASAI), depending on the nature of the infraction.

Future restrictions may tighten further. GRAI is researching the impact of promotional offers like free bets and may adopt a model similar to the financial sector, where risk disclosures are mandatory in marketing. These changes aim to make advertising more transparent and responsible.

Data-Driven Policy Shaped by Research

The GRAI’s agenda has been informed by data from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), revealing that approximately 10% of the Irish population experiences moderate to severe gambling harm. Alarmingly, this segment contributes nearly half of total gambling revenue — underscoring the urgent need for reform.

Of particular concern is underage gambling. Studies show early exposure increases the likelihood of developing problem gambling later in life. These insights are expected to drive future policy decisions focused on youth protection.

Further research has also linked gambling to mental health concerns, including suicide. A cited report identified 23 cases where gambling played a contributing role, emphasizing the critical need for intervention and safeguards.

Gradual Implementation for Lotteries and Charities

Not all sectors will feel the changes immediately. Lotteries, raffles, and charity-driven gambling will be gradually brought under the new regulatory structure. Prize caps, such as a €2,000 maximum, will be introduced to ensure consistency and protect player interests without disrupting long-standing community fundraising efforts.

What This Means for Online Casino Operators

For iGaming companies, these reforms bring both operational challenges and long-term strategic implications. Resources must now be allocated to executive background checks, compliance systems, levy contributions, and updated advertising frameworks. The shift also calls for a re-evaluation of engagement strategies, especially in light of self-exclusion tools and evolving marketing regulations.

As Ireland reshapes its gambling laws, operators must adjust to a landscape defined by greater scrutiny, stronger consumer protections, and a heightened emphasis on social responsibility. For CasinoDaddy readers and online casino fans, this signals a new era of transparent, accountable gambling in the Irish market.