Ireland's Gambling Regulator Partners with Banks to Block Gambling Transactions

In a significant move to protect consumers, Ireland’s Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRAI) is collaborating with major financial institutions to implement voluntary gambling transaction blocks. This initiative, aimed at restricting gambling-related transactions on credit and debit cards, is a critical step as Ireland prepares for a fully regulated gambling market.

Strengthening Consumer Protections

Anne-Marie Caulfield, Chief Executive Designate of the GRAI, highlighted the importance of this new measure in offering better consumer protection. "This will be a valuable consumer protection measure," she explained, citing research by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), which found that individuals affected by gambling harm spend an average of €1,000 per month. This insight shows the need for practical solutions to help those struggling with gambling issues.

The GRAI has already made progress, with Allied Irish Bank (AIB) and EBS introducing gambling transaction blocks for their customers. Digital banking service Revolut has followed suit, allowing users to place gambling restrictions on their accounts, giving them greater control over their spending. Discussions are also underway with the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland (BPFI) to encourage other major banks to adopt similar measures.

New Gambling Legislation and Ongoing Efforts

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance consumer safeguards and improve the regulatory framework for gambling in Ireland. Following the passage of landmark gambling legislation in October 2024, the government has committed to introducing a variety of measures aimed at curbing gambling harm. Among these are advertising restrictions, a national gambling exclusion register, and a social fund dedicated to supporting problem gambling initiatives.

As the regulator responsible for enforcing these regulations, the GRAI will have the authority to impose heavy fines on operators who fail to comply. These penalties could reach up to €20 million or 10% of the operator's annual turnover. Caulfield emphasized that the GRAI is making significant progress in setting up the regulatory structures needed for effective oversight.

Focus on Education and Youth Protection

A key part of the GRAI’s mission is education. Gambling has been incorporated into the Social, Personal, and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum for both junior and senior cycles in schools, ensuring young people are educated about the risks associated with gambling from an early age. The GRAI is also working alongside the Health Service Executive (HSE) Addiction Services to launch an awareness campaign aimed at educating parents about the dangers of exposing children to gambling.

The ESRI’s research indicates that individuals who begin gambling before the age of 18 are almost twice as likely to develop gambling problems in adulthood. Furthermore, children of parents who gamble are at a higher risk of becoming problem gamblers themselves. The GRAI has stressed the need for both direct measures, such as limiting children's exposure to gambling, and indirect measures to protect adults from falling victim to gambling harm.

Building a Responsible Gambling Framework

One of the GRAI’s key initiatives is the development of a national gambling exclusion register. This register will bar licensed gambling operators from accepting bets from individuals who are listed. Breaching this system could lead to substantial fines or prison sentences of up to five years. The GRAI is currently procuring IT services to support the implementation of this crucial system.

In addition to this, the GRAI is working on creating a robust licensing framework for gambling operators in Ireland. Companies in the industry have been encouraged to express interest in applying for licenses under the new system, which is expected to be launched in 2025. This process will help the GRAI prepare for the volume of applications and ensure a smooth transition to a fully regulated market. 

As Caulfield stated, “We issued a call to gambling and gaming companies to register their interest in applying for an operating license. This will help us determine the level of applications we can expect once the new licensing regime opens in 2025.”

Engaging Stakeholders and Shaping the Future

The GRAI is also heavily focused on stakeholder engagement, having consulted with over 200 stakeholders in the gambling sector. These discussions have provided valuable insights into the impacts of gambling harm, particularly from the perspective of those with lived experience. This input will be crucial in shaping the regulator’s education and awareness programs.

In addition to these efforts, the GRAI continues to develop various codes of conduct for the gambling industry, ensuring that operators maintain the highest standards of responsible gambling. As Ireland moves toward establishing a regulated gambling market, the GRAI remains committed to creating a safer, more transparent environment for all stakeholders involved.

Source: Irish Gambling Regulator Advocates Bank Gambling Block Measures, World Casino Directory, December 25, 2024.