The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has reached an agreement with the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland to assist in handling complaints about gambling advertisements.
The Gambling Regulation Act was passed in mid-October, paving the way for the establishment of the agency, and GRAI is expected to officially start regulating Ireland's gambling industry by mid-2025.
This long-awaited legislation involves several measures, including restrictions on gambling advertising. This collaboration will protect the public in this regard.
Overall, the goal of this collaboration is to "streamline the gambling advertising complaint process," with both companies jointly assessing complaints and making recommendations.
The Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland will handle complaints concerning advertisers holding its licenses, while the Advertising Standards Authority will handle other complaints. Consumers will be informed that they can complain to the advertising regulatory authorities about gambling advertisements.
Orla Twomey, CEO of the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland, stated: "We are pleased to collaborate with GRAI, a new organization that will help protect the public from gambling problems, especially protecting children from entering places or services that offer gambling activities. The goal of the Advertising Standards Authority is to ensure that advertising is legal, decent, honest, and truthful for consumers.
"This collaboration highlights our joint commitment to protecting consumers. Together, we will continue to work to ensure that the public can easily access information about responsible gambling advertising."
Anne-Marie Caulfield, the incoming CEO of GRAI, added: "After the establishment of GRAI, it will protect the public by promoting transparent operations in the gambling industry and compliance with Irish law (especially the Gambling Regulation Act of 2024), which imposes many restrictions on advertising, social media, etc. It will also raise awareness of gambling issues and establish safeguard measures to address this problem.
"By working with the Advertising Standards Authority, as GRAI's authority begins, we will commit to resolving any public concerns about gambling advertisements and related advertising quickly and effectively according to the guidelines of the Advertising Standards Authority. Our collaboration reaffirms our commitment to protecting the public and ensuring that the public is informed and protected by adhering to the highest standards of marketing communications."
