Ireland’s modernised gambling framework places consumer protection at the centre of licensing and regulation. The GRAI oversees the implementation, monitoring and enforcement of a comprehensive safer-gambling regime, ensuring that licensees meet high standards of integrity, transparency and player welfare.
Core Principles of Player Protection Framework:
1. Protection of Minors
Operators must ensure that no person under 18 can access gambling services. This includes:
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Mandatory age verification
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ID checks prior to account activation or access
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Prohibitions on marketing or promotions that target minors
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Restrictions on placement of advertising and sponsorship
2. Mandatory Customer Interactions
Operators are required to proactively identify and interact with customers who may be showing signs of gambling-related harm. This may include:
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Monitoring of play patterns
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Intervention protocols
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Cooling-off periods
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Mandatory safer-gambling messaging
3. Self-Exclusion & National Exclusion Register
Ireland will introduce a national exclusion register, managed by the GRAI, allowing individuals to block themselves from all licensed gambling services. Operators will be required to:
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Integrate their systems with the national register
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Prevent access to excluded individuals
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Maintain accurate internal exclusion tools
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Display clear messaging about self-exclusion options
4. Inducements & Incentives
The Act restricts the types of inducements operators can offer, limiting promotions that may encourage harmful play. Requirements include:
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Prohibition of certain bonus types or aggressive incentives
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Transparent terms for any permitted promotions
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No targeting of vulnerable persons
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Clear withdrawal and wagering conditions
5. Advertising and Marketing Safeguards
Operators must ensure all communications align with safer-gambling principles, including:
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Mandatory safer-gambling statements
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Prohibitions on high-pressure messaging
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Restricted advertising times and placements
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No misleading claims, performance exaggerations or unverifiable outcomes
6. Information Transparency
Licensed operators must prominently display:
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Safer-gambling tools
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Odds explanations and RTP information (where relevant)
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Complaint procedures
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Contact details for support services
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Terms and conditions written in plain, accessible language
7. Social Impact Fund Contributions
Operators will contribute to the GRAI Social Impact Fund, supporting education, research and initiatives aimed at preventing and mitigating gambling harm.