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Ireland’s Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, has signed key provisions of the Gambling Regulation Act of 2024 and announced the members of the newly established Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), which officially comes into effect today (Mar 5).
This new era would see the GRAI oversee all gambling activities in the country, both online and in-person. The body would also be in charge of granting licenses and regulating lotteries, with the exception of the national lottery.
This move comes as Ireland faces increasing criticism regarding rising problem gambling rates and the impacts of unregulated gaming. The GRAI aims to strike a balance between the freedom to gamble and the need to protect consumers, especially vulnerable groups such as children, from gambling-related harm.
Anne-Marie Caulfield to Continue as CEO
Following the announcement of its launch this week, the GRAI unveiled seven staff members who are mainly regulatory and healthcare experts.
The regulator will be chaired by Paul Quinn, who was formerly head of the nation’s government procurement office. He’s joined by Rita Purcell, the current deputy CEO of international and legal at the health products regulatory authority, and Celine Craig, a former media commissioner.
Dr Colin O’Driscoll, a senior psychologist and clinical lead for the Irish healthcare’s mid-west addiction services, is also part of the team that includes David Hickson and Marion Kelly. These members will collaborate with CEO Anne-Marie Caulfield, who is overseeing the phased implementation of the regulator’s operations.
“I greatly welcome the appointment of the seven-member authority and the establishment of Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann (GRAI),” said Caulfield.
“I look forward to fulfilling our mandate and delivering a safe, well-regulated and transparent sector, with consumer protection at its core.”
Caulfield, who was appointed CEO in 2022, is expected to hold the position long-term. Meanwhile, initial appointments to the regulator will be for a three- or four-year term, with the possibility of a second tenure.
“Today marks a new era for the regulation of gambling in the Irish state,” said Jim O’Callaghan in a statement yesterday.
The Role of the GRAI
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) will oversee all gambling activities in the country. Its primary responsibilities include licensing operators in betting, gaming, and lotteries while ensuring that these activities are conducted fairly and transparently.
Protecting consumers is also a key focus, with the regulator aiming to shield users from fraudulent practices. It is also dedicated to addressing problem gambling by implementing measures to reduce gambling-related harm, with special attention to protecting children and vulnerable individuals.
The GRAI will also monitor compliance with regulations and enforce penalties when necessary to maintain integrity in the sector.
With a budget of €9.1 million allocated for this year, the government is committed to providing the GRAI with the resources it needs to operate effectively. Subsequently, the bill would be funded by the industry through levies. According to James Browne, one of the bill’s sponsors, “The impact on the taxpayer once it is up and running should be zero.”
A Heavily Regulated Market
The 2024 Gambling Regulation Act represents a major overhaul of Ireland’s gambling laws, merging various existing regulations into a single, cohesive framework.
One of the key provisions of the act is the prohibition of credit card and credit facility payments for gambling activities. Additionally, the placement of ATM machines in gambling venues is banned.
A national gambling exclusion register will also be created, enabling individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from specific gambling activities or from all operators entirely. To further discourage excessive gambling, the act eliminates strategies like VIP treatment, free bets, and complimentary hospitality, which are commonly used to induce players.
Radio and television advertisements will be prohibited between 5:30 AM and 9 PM to protect children from gambling-related content. The sale of clothing featuring gambling branding to children or at events where children are present will also be banned. Social media advertising will be limited, requiring adults to explicitly opt in to receive marketing promotions.
Source: iGamingBusiness
