Industry data predicts that the newly established Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland is expected to start regulating the country's gambling industry by mid-2025.
The "Gambling Regulation Act" was recently signed into law by President Michael D. Higgins, completely overhauling the licensing system and establishing a new regulatory body.
Several key milestones must be reached before the agency begins operations.
These include the appointment of the seven members who will make up the agency. The Public Appointments Service will soon begin the recruitment process, followed by the selection of candidates by the Minister for Justice.
The GRA's initial tasks will include establishing a new national licensing framework, requiring all gambling enterprises in Ireland to hold a license. The act stipulates that operating without a license constitutes a criminal offense, marking a stricter regulatory environment.
The national self-exclusion register is another key component of the regulatory plan. This register will allow customers to self-exclude from all licensed gambling operators in the state, addressing the current gap where self-exclusion is only possible with individual operators.
It is worth noting that the government has allocated €9.1 million (approximately $9.87 million) for the GRA in 2024, with €4 million specifically for technological infrastructure.
Finally, the provisions of the act also include a social fund to support responsible gambling, funded by donations from gambling businesses. Recruitment for the manager of this fund has also begun, aiming to address gambling issues through various initiatives.
Anne Marie Caulfield has been appointed as the incoming CEO of the agency, and Caulfield has written to industry groups confirming that the agency will start "in phases."
She emphasized that the organization has completed its preparatory work and is committed to informing businesses about the situation so that they can plan for the new regulatory regime.
The industry organization, the Irish Gambling Association, has expressed its welcome for the opportunity to work with the new regulatory body under Caulfield's leadership.
