• Online gambling is fueling a rise in gambling addiction, particularly among young people in Ireland, leading to concerns about a hidden health crisis.
• The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has been established to regulate the sector and implement consumer protections, but some experts worry about the pace of change.
• Experts advocate for stricter regulations, including bans on gambling advertising and inducements, as well as increased funding for addiction treatment and preventative measures.

Ireland is facing a growing crisis of gambling addiction, particularly among young people, driven by the increasing accessibility of online gambling platforms. This has led to the establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) to regulate the industry and implement consumer protection measures. The new regulator aims to address excessive gambling and safeguard children and vulnerable individuals. However, concerns remain regarding the effectiveness and speed of the regulatory response, with calls for stricter advertising controls and increased resources for addiction treatment.

• What: Increasing gambling addiction in Ireland, especially among young people, and the establishment of GRAI.
• Who: Key individuals include Colin O’Gara (psychiatrist), Emma Kavanagh (Rutland Centre), Oisín McConville (former GAA footballer), Anne Marie Caulfield (GRAI), Chris Joyce (recovering addict), and Barry Grant (Extern Problem Gambling). Organizations include GRAI, ESRI, Rutland Centre, Extern Problem Gambling, and Gambling Awareness Trust.
• When: The first comprehensive Irish gambling legislation since 1956 passed last autumn. GRAI was established last month. New consumer protections will come into effect next year. GRAI intends to accept applications from December under a phased process and grant its first licenses in July 2026.
• Where: Ireland, with specific mentions of Dublin (Rutland Centre, GRAI office), Galway, and Knocklyon.

The article paints a concerning picture of the current gambling landscape in Ireland. The rise of online gambling, coupled with a perceived lack of robust regulation, has created an environment where young people are increasingly vulnerable to addiction. The establishment of GRAI is a positive step, but the effectiveness of the new regulatory framework remains to be seen. The slow pace of implementation and the compromises made on issues like advertising and inducements raise concerns about whether the new measures will be sufficient to address the problem. The article underscores the need for a multi-faceted approach that includes stricter regulation, increased funding for treatment, and public awareness campaigns.

We have a generation that are now in their teens and early 20s who are fully ‘gamblified.’

Sports betting tends to be an entry point for people, but what we see is that as their gambling progresses, people will take a bet on anything. People will gamble on the most mundane-seeming things.

Very few teenagers are going to bed at 9 o’clock [when the daily curbs on advertising are lifted]. I do think that we have a duty of care for future generations. We need to stop making it easy.

Ireland is at a critical juncture in addressing the growing problem of gambling addiction. The establishment of GRAI and the introduction of new legislation represent significant steps forward, but challenges remain. The effectiveness of the new regulatory framework will depend on its ability to adapt to the rapidly evolving online gambling landscape and to address the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to addiction. Continued vigilance, investment in treatment and prevention, and a willingness to strengthen regulations as needed will be crucial to protecting vulnerable individuals and mitigating the harms associated with gambling.