Ireland’s gambling regulator warns problem gambling rates 10 times higher than initially thought

The extent of problem gambling in Ireland is significantly worse than previously estimated, with new research showing rates are ten times higher than earlier projections, according to new research commissioned by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), as reported by the Irish Examiner.

A study by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) found that 3.1% of people in Ireland experience significant harm from gambling, while a further 7% face moderate harm. Combined, these groups account for nearly half (47%) of the gambling sector’s total turnover.  

“The extent of problem gambling in Ireland was much higher than previously thought. It was 10 times higher than had been previously thought,” said Anne Marie Caulfield, chief executive of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). “Evidence that children who gamble before 18 are twice as likely to develop gambling issues later in life really does justify clamping down very hard."

The newly established GRAI, which formally launched this month, is tasked with overhauling Ireland’s gambling laws, which had remained largely unchanged since the 1950s. The authority will oversee licensing, introduce a national gambling exclusion register, administer a social impact fund for addiction treatment, and enforce new advertising restrictions.  

Problem gambling among women remains a growing but often hidden issue due to stigma, with many struggling to speak out, particularly when gambling impacts household finances. Claire Donegan, project lead for the EmpowerHer Recovery Network, highlighted cases where women faced difficulties in admitting to financial harm caused by gambling.  

“The stigma attached to problem gambling is so difficult,” Caulfield said. “It’s important people understand it as a health issue.”  

Under the new laws, all gambling operators—both online and retail—must register and obtain a license from GRAI. Companies that breach the rules could face fines of up to €20 million or 10% of turnover, whichever is higher.  

Licensing requirements will include corporate, financial, and technical checks, as well as vetting of key individuals. Operators with a history of regulatory breaches in other jurisdictions, such as the UK, where companies have been fined for anti-money laundering or consumer protection failures, will be scrutinized.  

“It won’t just be a question of licensing and a once-off check,” Caulfield said. “The compliance regime must be robust, and it must pick up any breaches.”  

The new licensing framework will eventually extend to charities and sports clubs running lotteries, but Caulfield said this would not come into effect for several years. Charities offering over €2,000 in prizes will have to register with GRAI, but the regulator has pledged to ensure a “smooth transition” for non-profits.  

GRAI also aims to become financially self-sustaining within three years, funding itself through application and annual licensing fees rather than taxpayer support.  

“We absolutely intend to be self-financing, hopefully sooner than three years,” Caulfield said.  

As the authority begins its work, Caulfield emphasized its commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals while holding operators accountable.  

“We owe it to those people to do our job properly,” she said. “And we’ll certainly be making every effort to do that over the coming years.”