Ireland's Gambling Regulator Unveils Bold 2025–2027 Strategy for Tighter Controls

From self-exclusion schemes to crackdowns on unregulated betting, Ireland's gambling watchdog is rewriting the rules. Will these reforms curb addiction and illegal activity?

, and Administrator

2026 April 5 . 2:06 AM

1 min read

The image shows a poster with the words "The Irish Poker Club" written in bold, black lettering... — The image shows a poster with the words "The Irish Poker Club" written in bold, black lettering against a white background. The poster is framed by a thin black border, and the words are accompanied by a colorful illustration of a shamrock, a traditional Irish symbol of luck and good fortune.

Ireland's Gambling Regulator Unveils Bold 2025–2027 Strategy for Tighter Controls

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has released its new Statement of Strategy for 2025–2027. The plan outlines key goals for the next three years, focusing on stricter oversight and consumer protection in the gambling sector. Major changes include new licensing rules, enforcement measures, and a centralised self-exclusion system. The foundation for these reforms began in October 2024, when Ireland passed the Gambling Regulation Bill. By March 2025, the legislation became the Gambling Regulation Act, giving the GRAI a statutory basis to operate.

The authority will now design a licensing regime for the industry. Public consultation on the new rules starts in April 2025, with final licence guidelines expected by July. Alongside this, the GRAI plans to strengthen enforcement to address unregulated activities and ensure compliance with best practices.

Consumer protection remains a priority. The GRAI has already launched a bankcard-blocking self-exclusion scheme and aims to introduce a national self-exclusion register. This system will help vulnerable individuals restrict their access to gambling services.

To support these changes, the GRAI will relocate its office in April 2025. The move is part of broader efforts to build a skilled team and establish a dedicated ICT function for digital operations. The GRAI's strategy sets clear steps for regulating Ireland's gambling market over the next three years. New licensing, enforcement, and self-exclusion measures will reshape the industry's structure. The authority's focus on personnel and digital infrastructure aims to ensure these reforms are effectively implemented.