Key points:
- New Gambling Regulatory Authority in Ireland to launch in a phased approach in 2025
- Regulator will oversee betting businesses, including implementing licensing requirements
- Authority to establish a national self-exclusion register for problem gamblers
Ireland's new Gambling Regulatory Authority is expected to start overseeing the country's betting businesses by mid-2025, industry figures predict.
The Gambling Regulation Act, recently signed into law by President Micheal D Higgins, overhauls the licensing regime and establishes the new regulatory body.
Several key milestones must be reached before the authority can begin operations.
This includes appointing the seven members that will make up the authority. The Public Appointments Service will shortly begin the recruitment process, with the Minister for Justice then selecting the candidates.
Initial work by the GRA will include establishing a new national licensing framework, requiring all gambling businesses in Ireland to hold licences. The Act makes it a criminal offence to operate without one, signalling a stricter regulatory environment.
A national self-exclusion register is another key component of the regulatory plan. This register will allow customers to self-exclude from all licensed gambling operators in the State, addressing a current gap where self-exclusion is restricted to individual operators.
Good to know: The Government has earmarked €9.1m ($9.87m) for the GRA in 2024, including €4m dedicated to technological infrastructure
Finally, the Act’s provisions also include a social fund to support responsible gambling, funded by contributions from gambling businesses. Recruitment for a manager of this fund has also commenced, with the fund aimed at addressing problem gambling through various initiatives.
Anne Marie Caulfield has already been appointed as the authority's Chief Executive designate, and Caulfield has written to industry groups confirming the authority will launch on a "phased basis."
She emphasised that the organisation has completed preparations and is committed to keeping businesses informed so they can plan for the new regulatory regime.
Industry group the Irish Bookmakers' Association said it welcomes the opportunity to work with the new regulator under Caulfield's leadership.
