GRAI CEO Shares Key Update on Progress and Licensing Rollout

Anne-Marie Caulfield, CEO of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), has provided a detailed update on the Authority’s progress since its formal launch in March 2025. The update outlines how GRAI has now completed its core governance structure, appointed a seven-member board, and is actively advancing its regulatory framework.

Caulfield confirmed that the Authority is on track to open its full licensing system by the end of 2025, beginning with land-based and online betting licences. Online gaming licences will follow in early 2026, with B2B and charity licences expected in 2027. A pre-registration portal is already live for operators.

A strong emphasis is being placed on public health and consumer protection. A national self-exclusion register is in development, alongside new restrictions on advertising, promotions, and marketing—particularly aimed at reducing exposure to vulnerable individuals. Under upcoming rules, gambling ads will be prohibited between 5:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., and operators will no longer be permitted to offer VIP perks, bonuses, or free bets without explicit opt-in.

GRAI is also establishing stakeholder panels, including an industry group and a lived-experience panel, to ensure its policies are shaped by a broad range of perspectives. In parallel, the Authority is drafting a Social Impact Fund to be financed by operator levies, supporting education, harm prevention, and treatment services.

Caulfield noted that enforcement measures are being prepared to tackle unlicensed operators, including ISP blocking, financial transaction restrictions, and software to detect illegal platforms. A memorandum of understanding with the UK Gambling Commission has also been signed to support cooperation and data sharing across jurisdictions.