Significant Levels of Problematic Gambling in Ireland Underestimated in Previous Assessments
Step into Ireland's New Gambling Landscape
In light of a game-changing study, the Irish landscape is about to witness a drastic overhaul in its gambling sector. As per startling findings from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), problem gambling in Ireland is far more severe than initially believed—with 3.1% of people experiencing serious harm and another 7% enduring moderate harm.
Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), sheds light on the shocking statistics, asserting, "The extent of problem gambling in Ireland was ten times higher than previously imagined." Caulfield also warns about the risks associated with youth exposure, stating that individuals who gamble before age 18 are twice as likely to develop gambling issues later in life.
Revamping Ireland's Outdated Gambling Laws
With the backing of the GRAI, Ireland's outdated gambling laws, largely unchanged since the 1950s, will soon face an extensive makeover. The GRAI's responsibilities encompass licensing, establishing a national gambling exclusion register, and championing a social impact fund for addiction treatment. Strict advertisement restrictions will also be introduced to mitigate gambling-related harm.
With problem gambling among women on the rise, often due to stigma and silence, Claire Donegan, project lead for the EmpowerHer Recovery Network, voices her concern, stating, "Many women find it challenging to discuss gambling-related financial struggles." Caulfield echoes this sentiment, reiterating, "The stigma attached to problem gambling is overwhelming. It should be viewed as a health issue."
Licensing and Compliance: A Tough Approach
Under the GRAI's new framework, all gambling operators—both online and retail—will need to secure a license. Failure to comply could result in hefty fines of up to €20 million or 10% of total revenue, whichever is greater. The licensing procedure will involve comprehensive assessments across corporate, financial, technical aspects, as well as background checks on key personnel. Companies with a history of past violations, especially those penalized in the UK for anti-money laundering or consumer protection lapses, will be under close scrutiny.
Ongoing Vigilance and Support
Caulfield emphasizes the need for ongoing oversight, stating, "It won't just be a question of licensing and a once-off check. The compliance regime must be robust, and it must pick up any breaches." Additionally, charities and sports clubs running lotteries will eventually be obliged to register with the GRAI, but this measure is expected to take several years, and the regulator guarantees a smooth transition for non-profits.
Securing Financial Independence
The GRAI aims to become financially self-sufficient within three years, relying on application and licensing fees instead of taxpayer funding. Caulfield expresses her optimism, "We absolutely intend to be self-financing, hopefully sooner than three years."
With public health and consumer safety at the forefront, the GRAI is determined to protect vulnerable individuals and enforce stricter standards for licensed gambling operators, ensuring a safer future for all.
- In the revamped gambling landscape of Ireland, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) will be responsible for licensing all gambling operators, including those offering casino-games and lotteries.
- The GRAI will also establish a national gambling exclusion register and champion a social impact fund for addiction treatment, aiming to provide sufficient support for problem gamblers.
- Under the new regulatory framework, companies with a history of past violations, particularly those penalized for anti-money laundering or consumer protection lapses, will face closer scrutiny when applying for a license.
- The GRAI aims to become financially independent within three years, relying on application and licensing fees instead of taxpayer funding, ensuring the regulatory body remains unbiased and focused on its mission.
