What we do
As Regulator we have a number of statutory functions.
To license, supervise and control gambling activities in the State.
To establish a National Gambling Exclusion Register.
To establish, maintain and administer a Social Impact Fund.
To establish standards for certain gambling products or services.
To impose obligations on licensees in areas such as advertising, inducements and responsibilities relating to children.
To monitor and enforce compliance by licensees.
To handle complaints.
To increase public awareness and communicate with the public on licensing and gambling activities.
To take measures to stop prohibited gambling activities.
Our role is threefold
Regulate the gambling industry.
Protect the public from gambling harm.
Raise awareness of the potential dangers of gambling.
Regulate:
We regulate gambling, betting, gaming and lottery activities including:
Betting.
Casinos.
Certain lotteries including Bingo.
Gaming machine providers.
Gambling software providers.
Remote gambling (gambling either online or by phone).
We will
License gambling businesses.
Carry out compliance activities - enforce action and prosecute if a business or individual breaches their licence conditions.
Work closely with the gambling industry to raise standards.
Determine the suitability of a proposed location of a gambling business.
We want to help gambling businesses comply with the law and the regulations we set out, but when action is necessary we have a range of powers, including:
Issuing a warning.
Attaching an additional licence condition.
Removing or amending a licence condition.
Suspending a licence.
Revoking a licence.
Imposing a financial penalty.
We do not
Regulate the National Lottery.
Regulate lottery fundraising conducted by political parties.
Protect:
As Regulator, we will
Operate a National Gambling Exclusion Register which helps people stop their gambling for a period of time or indefinitely.
Ensure safer advertising and marketing to protect vulnerable people and children.
Ban gambling with credit cards.
Improve how gambling businesses interact with their customers, making online spaces safer for those at risk.
Control what gambling content you can see on-line and on social media.
Be tough on enforcement and compliance.
Prevent a gambling business from encouraging people to gamble.
Awareness:
A central part of the potential harm gambling can cause is a central part of our remit. We will be launching a new fund to invest in research and education activities which will teach people about gambling harm and addiction.
*Obligations under the Act will apply to licence holders, when they become licenced by GRAI, which will be on a phased basis.