Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 December 2025
371. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his view on predatory gambling advertising practises at betting shopfronts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68646/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has delivered on its commitment to have a properly regulated gambling industry in Ireland. In March 2025, as Minister, I signed the Orders to commence the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 and establish the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). At its heart, the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 is a public health measure aimed at protecting our citizens from gambling harm, including younger people and those more vulnerable in our communities. The Act provides for a number of safeguards to protect people from those harms.
As provided for in the Act, the GRAI will introduce and oversee tight restrictions on the advertisement of gambling activities. The Authority will have wide-ranging power to prescribe the times, place and events where gambling advertising can be broadcast, displayed or published, and to specify the frequency with which advertising can be broadcast, the duration of advertisements, and the number of advertisements that can be shown.
This power will allow the Authority to address the issue of gambling advertising on social media, online and on traditional media such as on television, radio, websites, apps, in print, and outdoor advertising such as billboards, etc.
The Authority will begin its licensing and enforcement functions on a phased basis from early next year.
