The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is now officially operational. Its mission is to enforce and oversee the country's new "Gambling Regulation Act of 2024."
The focus of GRAI is public safety, covering both retail and online gambling. It is responsible for approving licenses under the new regime and will regulate lotteries, excluding the national lottery.
GRAI is part of the new "Gambling Regulation Act of 2024" passed by the Irish Parliament on October 16, 2024. In its early stages, GRAI issued a public statement seeking a chairperson and board members as well as licensing experts to lead the regulation.
GRAI Hires Regulatory and Healthcare Experts to Fill Positions
The regulatory authority announced its official establishment this week and reported that seven members have been appointed to its board. The board is led by former Chief Executive Officer of the National Government Procurement Office, Paul Quinn.
Former media commissioner Celine Craig and current Deputy CEO of International and Legal Affairs at the Health Products Regulatory Authority, Rita Purcell, have been appointed to positions within GRAI, along with Dr. Colin O'Driscoll, the current senior psychologist and clinical head at the Midwest Addiction Services in Ireland.
Anne-Marie Caulfield was appointed as the CEO of GRAI in 2022, tasked with helping to establish the regulatory body and guiding its creation. Caulfield will serve as CEO for an extended term.
The Irish Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan, stated yesterday:
"Today marks a new era in Irish gambling regulation."
"[The Gambling Act] aims to address the challenges of responsible gambling in 21st century Ireland, providing clear provisions for operators and consumers, and striking a balance between the freedom to gamble and measures to protect people from addiction."
What is the Source of Funding for GRAI?
In the last parliamentary debate in October, lawmakers expressed concerns about the role of the regulatory body and the extent of power it actually exerts over the gambling industry.
However, the deputy rapporteur of the bill, James Brown, reassured the House of Representatives of GRAI's regulatory powers and reiterated that the industry will fund the regulatory body.
"I can assure the members that this regulatory body will not be weak or ineffective. It will be a very powerful regulatory body. It will regulate an industry we estimate to be worth 6 billion euros," he told the House of Representatives.
"The regulatory body will be funded by the industry through taxation. Once operational, the impact on taxpayers should be zero."
The Gambling Regulation Act of 2024
The new gambling law in Ireland also took effect today, including a series of measures aimed at regulating gambling and reducing problem gambling.
The 2024 Act repeals some existing gambling laws and incorporates Irish gambling legalization into a framework.
Under the "Gambling Regulation Act," operators are not allowed to accept payments from credit cards or credit institutions. ATMs are also prohibited inside gambling venues.
The act bans common inducements used by operators, such as VIP treatments, free bets, free credits, and complimentary hospitality.
Under the authority of GRAI, a national gambling exclusion register will also be introduced, allowing anyone to exclude themselves from specific gambling activities or all gambling operators.
Social media advertising is also restricted, with adults having to opt-in to receive marketing messages.
To protect children, TV and radio advertisements are prohibited from 5:30 AM to 9 PM. The sale of clothing with gambling logos to children is banned, as is the display of gambling logos at events involving children.
