On 5 March 2025, Ireland marked a significant development in its gambling regulation landscape. The newly established Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) officially commenced operations, embarking on a mission to enforce and oversee the country’s new Gambling Regulation Act 2024.

The GRAI has taken a pivotal step by initiating a robust regulatory framework designed to ensure public safety and responsible gambling. This framework will encompass both retail and online gambling venues, with a specific focus on licensing and regulating lotteries, excluding the national lottery.

Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, highlighted the significance of the authority’s launch, stating, “Today marks a new era for the regulation of gambling in the Irish State. The establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland is a further step towards replacing Ireland’s outdated gambling laws with a streamlined and simplified licensing framework.”

Leadership and Legislative Powers

Leading the GRAI is Paul Quinn, who previously served as the chief executive of the Office of Government Procurement. Joining him are distinguished board members, including Celine Craig, Marion Kelly, Rita Purcell, David Hickson, Michael McGrath SC, and Dr. Colin O’Driscoll, each bringing a wealth of experience from various sectors.

The authority is set to operate under the guidance of CEO Anne-Marie Caulfield, who has been instrumental in shaping the regulatory structure since her appointment in 2022. Caulfield expressed enthusiasm about the authority’s role, noting, “I greatly welcome the establishment of the seven-member Authority. We are committed to delivering a safe, well-regulated, and transparent sector, with consumer protection at its core.”

Key Legislative Measures and Funding

The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 introduces several measures aimed at minimizing gambling-related harms. These include the prohibition of credit card payments for gambling, the establishment of a national gambling exclusion register, and restrictions on gambling advertisements across various media platforms.

The authority’s operations will be funded by the industry through levies, ensuring no financial burden on the taxpayer. This funding model was affirmed by parliament members during the final debates, emphasizing the GRAI’s significant regulatory powers.

The Department of Health, under Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, T.D., has welcomed the new developments, indicating a collaborative effort to advance initiatives aimed at reducing gambling harms. “I welcome today’s development as an important step towards ensuring that the harms associated with gambling are minimized,” said Minister Carroll MacNeill.

As the GRAI begins its phased implementation of legislative powers, a key priority will be advancing the licensing process. Minister O’Callaghan noted the importance of this phase, stating, “The newly appointed members will now join CEO Anne-Marie Caulfield and her staff in commencing the Authority’s operations and legislative powers, on a phased basis, with a view to inviting applications for some licence types within the coming year.”