The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has officially begun its mandate, taking on the dedicated role of supervising the sector in the country.
First inscribed into the provisions of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, the regulatory body’s launch is part of a series of changes aimed to overhaul Ireland’s Betting Act of 1931 and adjust it for modern times.
GRAI’s control of gambling in the country is spearheaded by Anne-Marie Caulfield, who stepped in as the authority’s CEO.
The full list of GRAI Board Members names was published today by Jim O’Callaghan, Minister for Justice, who announced that Paul Quinn – the former CEO of Ireland’s Procurement Office – will be Chair of the authority.
Other names include:
- Celine Craig, media expert and former Chief Executive of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.
- Marion Kelly, Chief Executive of the Irish Banking Culture Board.
- Rita Purcell, Deputy Chief Executive at the Health Products Regulatory Authority (public health expert).
- Dr. Colin O’Driscoll, Senior Psychologist and Clinical Lead for the HSE’s Mid-West Addiction Services (public health expert).
- Michael McGrath SC, legal counsel.
- David Hickson, Financial Controller at the Community Foundation of Ireland (legal counsel).
Commenting on the appointments, O’Callaghan said: “Today marks a new era for the regulation of gambling in the Irish State.The establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland is a further step towards replacing Ireland’s outdated gambling laws with a streamlined and simplified licensing framework.
“This will reflect the nature of modern gambling while taking into account the harms associated with problem gambling, providing safeguards to protect people from those harms, especially children.”
GRAI’s inaugural mandate will be funded with €9.1mn from Ireland’s 2025 budget to strengthen its operational capabilities.
Some of the tasks ahead of the regulator include the establishment of a National Gambling Exclusion Register, as well as the creation of a Social Impact Fund for the financing of research, training and education – both projects targeting the minimisation of gambling harm.
Caulfield concluded: “I greatly welcome the appointment of the seven-member Authority and the establishment of Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann.
“I would like to thank the Ministers, Oireachtas members, the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, and Department of Justice officials for their work in bringing about our establishment.
“I look forward to fulfilling our mandate and delivering a safe, well-regulated, and transparent sector, with consumer protection at its core.”