Irish regulator publishes detailed strategy through 2027
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has published its Statement of Strategy for 2025–2027, outlining its roadmap for implementing a modern, transparent, and comprehensive regulatory regime.
The three-year plan marks a pivotal phase in establishing the country’s first dedicated gambling regulator, with a clear emphasis on public protection, licensing integrity, and industry accountability.
The statement, developed under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, defines GRAI’s legal mandate to license, monitor, and enforce betting, gaming, and lottery activities, both online and in-person.
It also tasks the Authority with addressing gambling-related harms, introducing consumer safeguards, and combating money laundering.
The plan affirms GRAI’s independence under the Department of Justice, Home Affairs & Migration, while stating that it will become entirely self-financing within three years through licence fees and operator levies.
Central to the strategy is the implementation of a phased licensing framework, ensuring that all operators, from large commercial firms to charitable organisations, meet rigorous vetting and compliance standards.
The Authority will introduce a National Gambling Exclusion Register, providing a single online platform for individuals who wish to self-exclude from all licensed online gambling services.
This initiative will operate alongside the Social Impact Fund, financed by industry levies expected to reach at least €14m annually, which will support addiction treatment, education, and research.
An all-encompassing approach
GRAI’s six core strategic goals — Licensing, Monitoring & Compliance, Enforcement, Consumer Protection & Awareness, People & Governance, and Digital First — reflect its intention to embed best practices across all regulatory functions.
Enforcement powers will include administrative sanctions, licence revocations, and criminal prosecutions for unlicensed or non-compliant operators.
The Authority will also implement an Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing framework and establish a Sports Integrity Unit to prevent betting-related corruption.
Under the Consumer Protection and Awareness goal, GRAI plans to fund research, education campaigns, and treatment services through the Social Impact Fund.
It will also engage with stakeholders through open consultation to promote transparency and disseminate evidence-based policy measures.
Internally, the Authority aims to build a fit-for-purpose organisation supported by skilled personnel, robust governance systems, and advanced ICT infrastructure.
The “Digital First” strategy will deploy secure online platforms for licence applications, compliance monitoring, and public registers, leveraging data analytics and AI to enhance oversight.
Chairperson Paul Quinn and CEO Anne Marie Caulfield both underscored the need to balance consumer protection with a proportionate and fair regulatory approach.
The Authority’s success will be measured through detailed annual plans and key performance indicators, ensuring accountability to the Minister for Justice and the Oireachtas.
By 2027, GRAI expects to have fully operational licensing, enforcement, and consumer protection functions.
This will lay the foundation for a well-regulated gambling environment that safeguards individuals and upholds public trust in Ireland’s evolving gambling landscape.
https://next.io/news/regulation/irish-regulator-publishes-detailed-strategy-through-2027/