In 2024, a new Irish regulator was appointed to oversee the gambling sector across the country. In the months that have followed, many changes have been implemented and more will follow in the near future.
The industry is set to tighten up with new legislation covering licensing, money laundering and other potential issues. Another key initiative for the regulator to tackle involves the question of responsible gambling, and there are some significant developments in the pipeline.
Revenue Driver
The gambling industry produces significant revenue for the Irish government, and there is no danger of the practice becoming outlawed. The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, (GRAI), recognises its importance, and it understands how many players are engaged with sports betting and casino play around the country.
There are many operators already providing services here, each looking to compete and build a customer base, Irish players can compare offerings on Casino.org and consider which of these is worth following up. Each of those sportsbooks and casinos has to apply for a license to operate here, and it’s likely that the new regulator will look closely at the question of responsible gambling.
The Basic Toolkit
Across every gambling jurisdiction, there are clear guidelines on how operators should approach responsible gambling and the safety of their players. Each platform should link out to organisations and charities that offer practical help and advice for those who need it.
Within Ireland, the list of such third party bodies includes GamblingCare and Gamblers Anonymous. Your casino or sportsbook should list these, or players can find more information from citizens advice websites.
Every customer should also have access to basic tools which can help to keep their gameplay under control. These start with deposit limits where players can restrict the amount of funds that they add to their account on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
Similar limits can usually be put in place in regards to wagering and losses.
Limits should prove useful for all players, but those who feel especially vulnerable can go further by taking a break from the platform. There are two separate tools in place here, which are usually referred to as ‘timeouts’ and ‘self exclusions.’
Timeouts are generally briefer, with options to step away from the operator for 24 hours, 7 days and 28 days. During this period, customers will not be able to log in to their account and play for real money.
Self exclusion timeframes are longer, starting from one month onwards. Customers can also elect to exclude themselves permanently from any platform if they wish.
The basic tools are among the initiatives that every gambling operator in Ireland should be adhering to, and it’s certain that the new watchdog will be monitoring this point very closely. Among these long-standing requirements, the GRAI is also looking to introduce new developments.
The Social Fund
There is a general acceptance among the gambling industry that regulators and operators need to go beyond those standard tools. Responsible gambling has to keep evolving, and that’s one reason why there is much discussion around a new Irish social fund.
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland announced in early 2025 that it would be implementing the fund in order to help those who had been adversely affected by addiction. Back in April, reports confirmed that the regulator was seeking input from casino and sportsbook customers who had experienced those issues in the past.
The aim was to build a platform where treatment, research and education would all be focal points. The initiative formed a part of the Gambling Regulation Act of 2024, so it is mandatory, and all operators with a license here will have to follow certain rules.
The social fund will receive revenue from every sportsbook and casino that provides real money services to customers in the Irish Republic. A levy will be placed and that will generate income for the social fund to meet its targets.
The Irish gambling social fund is an interesting development, and it’s one that will likely be copied in other jurisdictions. Rather than put tools in the hands of customers, this offers a more pro-active approach. Those needing assistance can be identified early and helped through their issues.
Whenever a new watchdog steps in to oversee any industry, there is heightened anticipation among the businesses looking to move forward under its umbrella. The GRAI is certainly looking to tighten up their regulatory procedures, and it may mean that some casinos and sportsbooks will not look to renew their licenses.
For those that choose to remain, a very positive new era awaits, with responsible gambling at its heart. The social fund is a revolutionary concept designed to protect customers, but it will also help to build higher levels of trust between player and operator. With such solid principles in place, the industry should continue to thrive.
Additional Sources
https://igamingexpress.com/ireland-moves-forward-with-social-impact-fund-to-address-gambling-harms/
