Ireland implements a fresh law for governing gambling activities
The Irish Gambling Regulation Act 2024, officially known as the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, has recently been passed, marking a significant shift in the regulation of online casinos and gambling activities in Ireland [1]. This legislation introduces the Irish Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRAI) as the new official oversight body, tasked with ensuring compliance with laws, improving consumer protection, and enforcing responsible gambling standards [1].
The Act brings about a new regulatory framework for online gambling, reflecting modern iGaming standards and addressing emerging issues such as cybersecurity, player protection, and anti-money laundering measures [1][2]. It also focuses on responsible gambling and player protection, implementing stringent measures to prevent problem gambling, including affordability checks and stronger enforcement of rules around advertising and marketing within the gambling industry [1][4].
Enhanced anti-money laundering and Know Your Customer (KYC) processes are also a part of the legislation. Operators must implement advanced transaction monitoring to detect suspicious activities, protecting the integrity of the gambling market and preventing criminal financial activities, consistent with EU directives [2].
The Act takes into account new forms of online gambling, such as esports betting, fantasy sports, and other skill-based competitions, and integrates controls to properly regulate these areas that previously had legal ambiguities [1][3].
Ireland's move towards a more robust, transparent, and consumer-focused gambling environment is evident in this legislation. The Act aims to modernize the current fragmented gambling legislation, aligning national laws with European best practices in the iGaming sector [1].
Anne Marie Caulfield, the designated CEO of the GRAI, has committed to ensuring that licensees operate in accordance with the law and introduce measures to combat problematic gambling [5]. The GRAI is expected to receive a total of around €9 million for 2025 to carry out its activities, including initial investments in necessary equipment [6].
The bill also introduces a National Gambling Self-Exclusion Register, imposes strict restrictions on gambling advertising, and provides for the establishment of a Social Impact Fund to promote measures for awareness, education, and support for the treatment of problem gambling [7][8].
The Irish gambling legislation is set to undergo significant changes for the first time since 1956, with the Betting Act of 1931, another key law, also being modernized to cover online betting providers and ensure that all operators require a license [9]. The Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act of 2010 includes regulations for combating money laundering in the gambling sector [10].
Conversations and controversies surrounding the bill, which has been in the works since late 2022, included gambling advertising, causing a stir in industries like horse racing, with a complete ban being considered. Ultimately, stakeholders agreed on a ban on gambling advertising between 5:30 AM and 9:00 PM [11].
This legislation is a step forward in creating a safer and more responsible gambling environment in Ireland, promoting consumer protection and ensuring the prevention of illegal or criminal gambling activities.
References:
- Gambling Regulation Act 2024
- European Union iGaming Regulations
- Esports Betting Regulation
- Responsible Gambling Measures
- Anne Marie Caulfield
- GRAI Budget Allocation
- National Gambling Self-Exclusion Register
- Social Impact Fund
- Betting Act of 1931
- Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act of 2010
- Gambling Advertising Regulations
