The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland

Problem gambling higher among those exposed to gambling as children Problem gambling is much more likely among people exposed to gambling as children, according to research conducted by the ESRI’s Behavioural Research Unit and commissioned by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland. The study found that rates of problem gambling are significantly higher among people who gambled as children, whose parents gambled, or whose parents had positive attitudes towards gambling.‘Problem gambling’ means that a person’s gambling disrupts and damages their life, with negative impacts on finances, wellbeing and social circles. The research gathered anonymous online responses from a representative sample of more than 1,600 adults. The researchers compared current gambling behaviour with childhood experiences, controlling for social background. The data revealed a strong link. Those who gambled as a child were almost twice as likely to suffer from problem gambling. Having a parent who gambled increased the likelihood of problem gambling by one third, while parental attitudes to gambling had a similarly large effect. People who both gambled as children and had a parent who gambled a lot were four times more likely to suffer from problem gambling.The majority of the sample had engaged in at least some form of gambling when under 18 years old. The most common forms were slot machines, scratch cards, horse or dog betting, gambling amongst friends, bingo and lotteries.Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, said, “This research provides clear evidence of the long-term potential harms resulting from childhood exposure to gambling. It reinforces the importance of a well-regulated gambling sector that protects children and those vulnerable to gambling harm. It also points to the need for awareness and education among our young people, their parents, and guardians on gambling related harms."To coincide with the release of this report, the GRAI have published advice for parents on how best to approach the topic of gambling and associated dangers with their children on our website. This advice was developed in collaboration with the HSE Addiction Services and provides a useful tool for parents.”The full report can be found here

15 October 2025 – The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) today published its Statement of Strategy for 2025 to 2027, setting out its strategic priorities over the next three years as it establishes a robust regulatory and licensing regime for the gambling sector and delivers on its public protection mandate.Established on a statutory basis in March 2025, the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 sets out the framework and legislative basis for the GRAI which will operate as an independent, self-financing regulator under the remit of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.Minister Jim O’Callaghan TD, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration launched the new Strategy alongside Mr Paul Quinn, Chair of the Authority, and Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO of the GRAI.The Statement of Strategy sets out the GRAI’s priorities over the next three years with particular focus on six functional areas with related strategic goals reflecting the GRAI’s legislative mandate:1.      Licensing2.      Monitoring and Compliance3.      Enforcement4.      Consumer Protection and Awareness5.      People, Organisation, and Governance6.      Digital First Each goal is supported by objectives and deliverables which will guide the GRAI’s progress through to 2027.Jim O’Callaghan TD, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs Migration said: “I commend the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland on the publication of its first Statement of Strategy, which is an important milestone for the Authority, the gambling sector in Ireland and for the wider public.“This strategy is not just about regulation; it is about educating the public, protecting those vulnerable to gambling harm, and ensuring that the industry operates to the highest standards of integrity and social responsibility. As Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration I am committed to supporting the Authority in delivering on its mandate.”Paul Quinn, Chairperson of the GRAI, said: “As a newly established independent regulator, we have been entrusted with a vital public mandate: to ensure that gambling in Ireland is conducted in a safe, fair, and transparent manner, with the interests of individuals, families, and the wider community at its heart.“Our work is grounded in the principles of prevention, protection, and evidence-based regulation. This Statement of Strategy sets out the roadmap to delivering a modern, fair, and trusted regulatory regime that reflects the constantly evolving nature of gambling and the expectations of the Irish public.“Establishing the new licensing arrangements, compliance management, and enforcement functions during the term of this Strategy is central to reducing the likelihood of gambling harms and will underpin a well-regulated gambling market in Ireland.”Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO of the GRAI, said: “The Statement of Strategy outlines the vision, mission, and values of the Regulator through to 2027. Each goal within the Strategy outlines a thorough approach to our main functions, from building a robust licensing regime that will ensure operators are consistently adhering to standards to supporting research and educational initiatives that enhance our capabilities as a Regulator”.The GRAI’s Statement of Strategy 2025 – 2027 has been approved by the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and we look forward to achieving our strategic goals together.”The full Statement of Strategy can be viewed here: English version / Irish version

The GRAI over the past number of months has been assisting and consulting with the Union of Students in Ireland on the 2025 National Student Survey. This is a very important piece of work and the results of the survey will inform policy for the students union and the regulator. Researchers at Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn (formerly Union of Students Ireland -USI) and the School of Biomedical Sciences at Ulster University have developed this online survey to investigate gambling behaviours, drug use, and mental health in third level students on the Island of Ireland. The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and consists of the following sections: a demographics section, a section on gambling behaviour, a section on drug use, and a section on mental health. Ethical approval has been granted by the School of Biomedical Sciences Ethics Filter Committee at Ulster University. This study is completely anonymous. There is an optional prize draw to thank you for your participation. If you would like to be included in that draw, you will be given the option to be taken to a different website at the end of the survey to enter your details to ensure that the information you provide in the survey remains anonymous.You can take part in the survey here