Ireland’s New Gambling Watchdog is Now Operational, but Its Tough Regulations Won’t Take Effect Until 2026

This delay means that a planned Social Impact Fund—intended to support services for people affected by gambling addiction—will also be postponed. The fund, which will be financed through licensing fees, fines, and penalties, cannot begin operating until gambling companies are formally registered under the new licensing system.

Although the GRAI was formally established in March, with Paul Quinn appointed as chair by Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan, the watchdog currently lacks the authority to enforce the new rules or collect funds. In response to a parliamentary question from Labour TD Mark Wall, O’Callaghan confirmed that the licensing regime won’t be operational until the middle of next year.

O’Callaghan emphasized that launching the Social Impact Fund is a “key priority” for the authority, which is expected to have 35 staff by the end of 2025. A consultation on the fund has recently concluded.

Deputy Wall expressed urgency, highlighting that people struggling with gambling addiction cannot afford further delays. He cited research showing over 20% of 16-year-olds in Ireland—mostly boys—have gambled in the past year.

“This isn’t just a statistic,” Wall said. “It reflects a real and growing crisis among our youth.”

Under the forthcoming Gambling Regulation Act 2024, licence holders will contribute to the fund based on a percentage of their annual turnover. Public and private support services dealing with gambling harm will be eligible for funding.

The Act introduces several major changes, including a ban on free bets, the use of credit cards for gambling, and stricter advertising controls. Operators will also be required to verify users with photo ID and will be prohibited from allowing under-18s to open accounts.

At present, the only section of the Act that has come into effect is the formal establishment of the GRAI. Until the full legislation is enacted, the gambling industry remains under no legal obligation to implement the new rules.