The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland is pleased to learn that PTSB, one of Ireland's biggest retail banks has announced that they will now offer a digital voluntary block for customers who wish to stop card transactions involving gambling.On welcoming the announcement of the initiative , CEO of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, Anne Marie Caulfield said: ‘’We very much welcome PTSB’s introduction of an in-app gambling block, this represents a proactive and valuable Consumer Protection measure  helping to reduce the risk of gambling -related harms.’’The Gambling Regulator has had engagement with the Irish Banking Culture Board, the Irish Banking and Payments Federation and individual banks over the past number of months to encourage as many financial institutions as possible to offer these blocking facilities as a consumer protection measure for their customers suffering from gambling harm or who wish to take a break from gambling.This means that PTSB now join Bank of Ireland, AIB, EBS and Revolut in offering their customers a gambling blocking facility. The GRAI offers practical advice on ways in which to limit exposure to gambling including bank blocking, gambling blocking software and limiting advertising online, available on our website here.Many Gambling operators also offer exclusion systems for their customers that want to step back from gambling. Following the establishment of the GRAI in March, we are now working on the design and development of the National Gambling Exclusion Register, so that it will be operational as soon as possible following the commencement of our licensing function. The obligation on online operators to interact with the register is set out in the Act. We will also continue to work with stakeholders to build on these initiatives and ensure greater support and guidance is in place for those that need them. For more information on Gambling Safety please click hereFor the full PTSB announcements please click   here 

Current VacanciesExecutive Officer The GRAI is seeking to establish a panel at Executive Officer (Standard Scale) level. The Executive Officer is a key role within GRAI, contributing to the effective delivery of the organisation’s functions across its regulatory, operational, and support activities. The successful candidate will provide support in a range of areas to assist in the successful establishment and effective operation of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland.Please see the Candidate Information Booklet for full details of the role including specific eligibility requirements. For Applications Forms and link to submit your applications: Apply HereClosing Date: Thursday 14th of August 2025 (3pm)

As we prepare for the commencement of licensing in the coming months the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland has published Licensing Application Guidance to assist operators and future licensees familiarise themselves with the licensing process and the various steps to successfully submit their licence application. Under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, providers of gambling activities operating in Ireland or providing gambling products / gambling related services to consumers in Ireland will require a gambling licence granted by the GRAI. The initial focus is on opening for certain Business-to-Consumer licence applications. Applications for Business-to Business gambling licences and licences for charitable and philanthropic purposes will be accepted at a later stage. Please refer to the licensing section for details of those who require a licence and the phased opening for gambling licence applications.We intend to accept online applications for both in-person and remote Business-to Consumer Betting licences later this year. In the interim, existing and prospective gambling operators are encouraged to apply for and renew licensing under existing arrangements with the Revenue Commissioners, under the Betting Act 1931 and the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956. Lottery licence and permit applications will continue to be assessed by the District Courts and An Garda Síochána respectively until new licensing arrangements are in place.You can view the document in full here and familiarise yourself with the approach. The Gambling Regulator will be here to assist with the process and licensing queries can be addressed to: licensing@grai.ie