GRAI Launches Campaign to Tackle Underage Gambling

Nationwide Awareness Initiative

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) launches a new campaign urging parents and guardians to recognize the signs of underage gambling and intervene early. Developed in partnership with the Health Service Executive (HSE) Addiction Services, the initiative provides practical advice on identifying warning signs, talking to children about gambling, and accessing support when needed. The campaign is running across video-on-demand, radio, digital audio, and social media platforms.

Research Highlights the Risks

According to research commissioned by GRAI and carried out by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), children who gamble are twice as likely to develop gambling problems as adults. The regulator also warned that online gambling, gambling-style gaming features such as loot boxes, and widespread advertising are increasing young people’s exposure to gambling-related risks.

Encouraging Early Conversations

GRAI CEO Anne Marie Caulfield said the campaign is designed to help parents start conversations about gambling before problems arise. She noted that children and teenagers are particularly vulnerable because their decision-making and impulse-control systems are still developing, making gambling especially appealing.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

The regulator advises parents to keep an open dialogue with their children, understand where gambling-like activities appear in gaming and sports, and look for behavioral changes such as asking for more money, secrecy, mood swings, declining school performance, social withdrawal, and poor sleep.

Supporting Child Protection

The campaign also reinforces the child protection objectives of Ireland’s Gambling Regulation Act 2024. Once fully implemented, the legislation will introduce some of the strictest penalties in the European Union for allowing minors to participate in gambling.