Teenage gaming predicament: Ireland's covert struggle with adolescent gambling addiction
Gambling in Ireland: Rethinking the Regulations
- Online Gambling and Sports Betting Revolutionized- Responsible Gaming and Underage Protection Emphasized- Laura Slattery, The Irish Times
Welcome to the convenience of the digital age, where gambling is a thumb's click away, available 24/7 on your mobile devices. It's a ubiquitous presence, from the comfort of your bed to your busy desk, even in the quiet moments at the bathroom, never taking a break.
The rise of online gambling over the past decade has sparked a growing concern about problem gambling. hidden health crisis, shrouded by secrecy and stigma.
Ireland stands at a critical juncture in its relationship with gambling. Last autumn, the first comprehensive Irish gambling legislation since 1956 was enacted, following 17 years of political debate and intensive industry lobbying.
More recently, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), the sector's first dedicated regulatory body, came into existence.
New Era of Regulation
The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 brings a wave of changes to Ireland's gambling landscape. The GRAI, responsible for enforcing the new regulations, is committed to promoting responsible gaming and underage protection.
Key Regulations and Current Status
- Licensing Roadmap
- Applications for both online and in-person betting licenses will open in December 2025, followed by remote gaming licenses in early 2026. Full implementation, including for B2B and charity gambling, is anticipated by 2027.
- Advertising Restrictions
- A complete ban on gambling ads targeting children is in place, along with a 5:30 AM – 9 PM watershed for all gambling-related advertisements. Social media marketing requires adult opt-in, and operators are prohibited from offering VIP incentives to high-risk or excessive gamblers.
- Responsible Gaming Measures
- A National Gambling Exclusion Register will launch within a year, enabling self-exclusion from specific operators or all gambling activities, and a Social Impact Fund will mandate industry contributions to fund treatment programs, education, and gambling harm research.
- Enforcement
- Operators are prohibited from targeting individuals or groups, only able to address the general public.strict checks on applicants' financial stability, technical systems, and compliance capabilities are required prior to licensing.
The GRAI is taking a phased approach to implementation, with the ability to tighten restrictions based on emerging evidence of harm. Public consultations on licensing frameworks closed in May 2025, emphasizing a collaborative approach to shaping the final regulations.
Amidst the rapid expansion of online gambling and sports betting, including casino-games and lotteries, Ireland finds itself at a pivotal moment in its relationship with these activities. The new era of regulation, initiated by the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, promises a deepening focus on responsible gambling, underage protection, and the prevention of problem gambling. This hidden health crisis, often invisible, is now being addressed with renewed urgency.
Laura Slattery's article in The Irish Times highlights the advent of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), a new body tasked with enforcing these regulations. Key changes include a licensing roadmap, advertising restrictions, responsible gaming measures, and a phased enforcement approach. The GRAI's commitment to responsible gambling extends to public consultations on licensing frameworks, ensuring a responsible-gambling-focused casino-and-gambling landscape.
As sports betting and casino-games become increasingly popular, responsible gaming practices are essential. The casino-personalities shaping this industry hold a deep responsibility to promote these values, ensuring that gambling remains an enjoyable pastime rather than a source of harm. The evolution of gambling trends in Ireland will continue to be shaped by the GRAI's ongoing efforts, providing a strong foundation for a responsible gambling future.
