From regulation to enforcement: impact of the Gambling Regulation Authority of Ireland on the gambling sector

With significant regulatory reform already underway, the creation of the Gambling Regulation Authority of Ireland marks an important step for the industry.

Ogier’s Sports team explores this new body and its potential impact for market participants.

What is the the Gambling Regulation Authority of Ireland?

The Gambling Regulation Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is a new Irish statutory body established on 5 March 2025 under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, tasked with the regulation and licencing of gambling in Ireland.

The GRAI received €9.1 million in funding in the Irish government’s budget for 2026 (Budget 2026) and intends to be self-funded after three years by setting charges for licensees. 

Read the team’s previous breakdown of the Gambling Regulation Act and how it overhauled an outdated gambling regime: The Irish Gambling Regulation Act 2024 and its impacts

What does the GRAI do?

The primary functions of the GRAI are to administer and enforce the new gambling advertising regulations, including imposing obligations on licensees in relation to advertising, protection of children, inducements to gamble and the notification of suspicious gambling patterns, as well as management of the new National Gambling Exclusion Register and Social Impact Fund.

What powers of enforcement does the GRAI have?

Compulsion of licensees to provide compliance reports relating to their compliance with the Act

Where a licensee chooses not to comply with the GRAI's request for a compliance report, the GRAI can apply to the Irish District Court compelling compliance. Should breaches be found, the GRAI can enter into written agreements with the licensees outlining steps to be taken to remedy breaches of Ireland's gambling advertising regulations. Alternatively, if the GRAI feels that further enforcement is required, they can take further action such as applying sanctions or formally investigating the licensee. Licensees should take particular care in complying with any agreements made with the GRAI as failure to fulfil terms within such an agreement can lead to the GRAI applying to the Irish Circuit Court to order compliance.

Issue formal notices detailing any obligations they believe a licensee has breached

The GRAI can apply to the Irish Circuit Court to have a license suspended or revoked if a formal notice is not complied with, and beaches are not remedied.

Appoint authorised officers to carry out investigations

The powers of authorised offices include conducting investigations, using reasonable force to enter a premises upon suspicion that unlicensed gambling is occurring, the power to search, copy or remove any materials they deem relevant for their investigation (dawn raid powers), demand reasonable assistance from anyone present at the premises and require answers to be given under oath. 

For more on dawn raids in Ireland, read our Dispute Resolution team's guide: A quick guide to dawn raids, competition law and the CCPC in Ireland

Propose financial penalties, suspension or revocation of gambling licenses, or impose conditions on a gambling licence

An enforcement matter may be referred to an independent adjudication officer for consideration. Evidence may be requested and hearings will be public. The GRAI can submit arguments to the adjudicator regarding proposed sanctions. The adjudicator will be able to impose sanctions for contraventions of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, such as financial penalties of up to €20 million, or 10% of turnover, the suspension or revocation of gambling licenses or the imposition of conditions on a gambling license. 

Seek emergency orders against a licensee or third parties in the Irish High Court

If urgent action is required on public policy grounds or to safeguard customer funds, the GRAI may make an application to the High Court for an emergency order. There are several emergency orders that the High Court can grant, such as:

• suspension of a license

• ordering a licencee to stop their product or services

• ordering direct internet service providers to block gambling sites or apps

• preventing a bank from accepting or making payments to or from a licensee's account

• preventing a licensee form disposing of assets or moving assets 

• ordering disclosure of information about licensee assets or finances

What should a licensee do if subject to GRAI enforcement?

Where a licensee finds themselves subject to an investigation or compliance report, it is essential that they take legal advice to initially prevent loss or suspension of their licence. 

Read the Irish Dispute Resolution team’s previous insight on how the Act applies to different licenses: The Irish Gambling Regulation Act 2024: key changes to licences 

How Ogier can help

Ogier's Dispute Resolution team in Ireland have experience dealing with contract disputes, regulatory investigations, commercial litigation and sector-specific areas such as gambling law. The team is highly skilled in advising on the complexities introduced by the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. 

If you have any questions or would like advice tailored to your organisation, contact our Dispute Resolution team in Ireland for further guidance and support via the details provided below. 

Where a licensee is the subject of a dawn raid, refer to the Ogier guide to dealing with a dawn raid and get in touch with a member of Ogier's global response team immediately: Dawn raid support services

About Ogier

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Disclaimer

This client briefing has been prepared for clients and professional associates of Ogier. The information and expressions of opinion which it contains are not intended to be a comprehensive study or to provide legal advice and should not be treated as a substitute for specific advice concerning individual situations.

Regulatory information can be found under Legal Notice