June 26, 2025

Ireland’s Gambling Reform: Stuck in Limbo or Ready to Launch?

Ireland is on the edge of a gambling revolution, but is it moving forward or stuck in legislative limbo? With outdated laws dating back to the 1930s, the country is pushing to modernize how Irish casinos and betting platforms operate. The Gambling Control Bill Ireland, signed in 2024 by President Michael D. Higgins, aims to protect vulnerable individuals, introduce tighter oversight, and create a more transparent gaming environment.

The main aim of this overhaul is the establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), a new watchdog with more powers. While the intentions are bold and necessary, delays and political wrangling have left players and operators wondering when real change will arrive.

The State of Play 2025

Ireland enacted its gambling regulation bill in October 2024 to establish the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), which aims to modernize outdated laws and license all operators. The reforms also aim to create a social impact fund to support public awareness efforts and gambling addiction services. While GRAI became operational in early March 2025, the exact commencement of various provisions, like licensing, is still unclear.

Despite the appointment of the seven-member authority, many timelines remain vague or delayed. In a parliamentary response, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said that the licensing would not begin until mid-2026. Some government officials also noted that it takes time to create a strong regulatory base.

For its part, GRAI disputed the idea of a lengthy delay. The authority confirmed that it is ready to start issuing licences in late 2025. “The GRAI is preparing to open for licensing in late 2025. We are making steady progress toward this goal and plan to implement a phased approach to the licensing process,” the authority said.

GRAI is currently headed by Paul Quinn, who was named chair by the justice minister. It also aims to employ 35 staff members by the end of 2025, with numbers expected to increase in 2026 through 2027.

Why the Delay Matters

The stalling of Ireland’s gambling reform has real-world consequences, especially for consumers. Without fully enforced rules, vulnerable individuals are left exposed to aggressive advertising, unfair terms, and limited safeguards. Promised protections, like self-exclusion tools and spending caps, exist more as intentions than reality.

Meanwhile, Irish-facing gambling operators continue to operate in a legal grey area. Some are regulated offshore, others locally, but few are fully accountable under the new regime. These incomplete regulations leave room for inconsistent practices and dodgy loopholes.

Here are the risks of letting this situation continue unresolved:

Increased gambling addiction: Without fully implemented reforms, Irish players at risk of gambling addiction lack access to crucial tools like self-exclusion programmes.
Minors exposed to targeted ads: In the absence of strict advertising regulations and proper watershed enforcement, gambling promotions may appear during times or on platforms accessible to minors. This increases the risk of early exposure.
Loss of tax revenue: When levies on gambling operators are vague or not strictly enforced, the government misses out on significant tax revenue.

Industry and Public Reactions

Ireland’s gambling reform has ignited mixed reactions across all fronts! Here’s how different voices are weighing in:

Operators and Industry Groups: Major players like Paddy Power and the Irish Bookmaker Association are supportive of the gambling reforms. However, they term strict stake and win limits, and the 5:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m. ad ban, as heavy-handed rules. They warn that strict rules might drive players to the black market.
Government Officials: Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan and James Browne emphasize public health priorities, defending new regulations against industry pushback. They assure that licensed operators can still advertise and that most restrictions won’t hurt casual players.
Politicians: TD Mark Wall stressed the urgent need to activate Ireland’s Social Impact Fund, saying those battling gambling addiction can’t afford to wait any longer for meaningful support. Speaking to The Journal, he pointed to alarming data showing that over 20% of 16-year-olds in Ireland, mostly boys, had gambled within the past year. “This isn’t just a number on a page,” he warned. “It reflects a serious and growing crisis among our young people.” Wall’s comments underscore mounting pressure on the government to roll out practical protections and treatment resources without further delay.
Responsible gambling advocates: Addiction experts and advocates describe the reforms as a critical milestone, especially since Ireland has 130,000+ problem gamblers. They applaud self-exclusion registers, ad restrictions, and the emergence of a social impact fund.

Operators appear to be positioning themselves for the new licensing regime. Many have engaged deeply in lobbying rather than steering retreats. However, some media networks hint at pulling out unless they can adapt economically.

Is Ireland Falling Behind?

When it comes to gambling reform, Ireland is still behind other European countries. While countries like the UK and many EU states have already rolled out robust frameworks, Ireland is still navigating the early stages of enforcement. The UK, for example, has a well-established Gambling Commission (UKGC) and strict ad rules, while Sweden and the Netherlands enforce real-time player tracking and operator accountability.

In contrast, online casino regulation in Ireland remains patchy, with many operators still functioning under older laws or offshore licences. Despite passing the Gambling Regulation Act in 2024, delays in implementation mean key protections are not yet fully in place.

This sluggish pace has raised concerns among responsible gambling advocates in Ireland, who argue that vulnerable individuals are left at risk while the system lags behind.

With the digital gambling space evolving rapidly, Ireland’s sluggish pace may cost it both public trust and regulatory credibility on the European stage.

What to Watch For in the Coming Months

As Ireland ramps up gambling reforms, you need to keep your eyes on key developments like the licensing launch. GRAI plans to launch B2C licences by December 2025, with gaming licences to follow in 2026.

Minister O’Callaghan recently initiated phased enforcement of the 2024 Act, which signals more provisions becoming active soon. Keep your eye on his statements, as his remarks often hint at pace, pushback, or policy shifts.

Operators are also fine-tuning compliance, lobbying hard, and weighing whether to invest or pull out. Watch for signs of full adaptation or strategic hesitation!