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Ireland announces new gambling policy plan for the next three years
The main interest of the Authority is to create a licensing regime which is effective and constantly implemented. They are going to act forcefully against unregulated landscapes. The intention is to ensure a transparent framework within the industry at all times and in the clearest way possible.
Consumers protection
The role of protection and awareness of consumers is fundamental as an evolving process to bring the online gaming industry to its highest level. The GRAI has the main intention of centralising a single national self-exclusion register. This means that there will be one central system for Irish people, who can sign up to it and block themselves from all licensed gambling services. This exclusion applies to every licensed gambling operator and it includes both online and physical locations. It represents an efficient way of safeguarding people and their interests.
The Regulator wants to reduce gambling’s risks. In order to do so, they plan to educate people, communicate through different channels, and demonstrate their financial support via the Social Impact Fund. This is a new fund which concentrates on research, education, intervention initiatives, public awareness and more relevant factors.
Licensing
As a central part of this plan, the GRAI focuses its attention on planning a new licensing system. This means that they are dedicated to improving a licensing regime which is effective to all land-based and online operators, lottery providers, B2C and B2B and charitable organisations.
At the moment, there’s a mix of outdated rules and requirements. Instead of this, the Authority wants to provide a clear and consistent process for all those organisations which needs a license to operate. The main idea is to ideally cut out some bureaucracy and make applications easier to manage and faster to complete. This would be ideal for both providers and consumers.
Enforcement framework
When it comes to respecting rules, many authorities around the world are enforcing their policies to make sure that operators are always on the consumer’s side. Following Malta’s example, the GRAI is working on a new framework that gives them the ability and authority to act accordingly. The Regulator wants an exhaustive set of penalties that can be applied fairly and firmly.
The main aim is to set high standards and always think about the consumers first. Operators will be able to properly understand which are the penalties and fines. So they know what to expect if they fall into repetitive oversights. If these situations reach meaningful consequences, the GRAI wants to have the power to suspend or even withdraw their licenses if necessary.
What’s next
This very important topic has definitely brought the industry’s attention towards Ireland and its Gambling Authority. On the 15th of October, GRAI chair Paul Quinn commented on this matter. “We are committed to advancing a culture of safer gambling and to supporting initiatives that reduce gambling-related harm, in particular by increasing consumer awareness, protecting children and conducting research into gambling issues,” he said.
The Minister for justice, home affairs and migration, TD Jim O’Callaghan, has also addressed the matter by showing his support for GRAI. “This strategy is not just about regulation; it is about educating the public, protecting those vulnerable to gambling harm and ensuring that the industry operates to the highest standards of integrity and social responsibility,” O’Callaghan said.
