We delve into the fledgling Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland’s initiatives to protect consumers and direct operations amid a moderate market recovery. A self-exclusion bank card rollout and student gambling behaviour survey have set the tone.
The gambling market in Ireland is rebounding in 2025. Regulatory changes, such as the launch of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) in March of this year and improved consumer demand, are driving the mild recovery.
Ireland’s gambling market is projected to generate $1.18 billion in 2025, at a growth rate of 1.48% between 2025 and 2030. Approximately 45.8% of the population is expected to take part in some form of gambling this year, and the market expects 2.6 million active users by 2030.
40% of Ireland’s total gambling revenue is in the online gaming sector, which is due to increased use of mobile devices, live dealer features and greater consumer interest from younger participants.
Entain is a good example of the market recovery in Ireland, with the company reporting strong growth in its retail segment primarily through its Ladbrokes outlets. It has also completed the rollout of its Group BetStation (GBS) terminals in Irish locations ahead of schedule.
Entain posted a 7% year-on-year increase in group net gaming revenue (NGR) for the first half of 2025, to £2.63 billion, or 10% on a constant currency basis, including its 50% stake in leading bookmaker.
Revenue for the period was up 3%, while gross profit increased by 3% to £1.59 billion. Underlying operating profit was up 52% to £437.6 million; however, the group recorded a loss after tax of £116.9 million, compared with a £5.6 million loss in the previous year, reflecting separately disclosed costs.
The UK and Irish market was a significant contributor to the group's growth, with online NGR up 21%, sports NGR rising 16% and gaming NGR climbing by 23%. The company attributed the improved performance to improved player experience and the “levelling of the regulatory restrictions that had previously impacted engagement.“
A new report has been released by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), in collaboration with Pobal.
It announces the findings of its National Stakeholder Consultation on gambling-related harm in the regulated market. The consultation was undertaken to steer the direction of the newly established Social Impact Fund.
The report, compiled through consultation with over 200 stakeholders, including those who had experienced gambling issues, their families, treatment professionals, NGOs and researchers, highlights the scale of the problem and how Ireland should respond.
Over 80% of questionnaire respondents reported that their gambling had led to financial difficulties. Stakeholders agreed that several issues, including stigma and limited awareness, delayed or hampered seeking help and continued to be a barrier to recovery.
The report highlighted that the onus to ensure responsible gambling practices is shared by those who regulate, provide and take part in betting.
This report is the first stage in developing the Fund’s investment strategy and a broader consultation process. Priority areas for investment have been identified as the following:
The GRAI has also implemented a new initiative developed in partnership with the Irish Banking Culture Board (IBCB) and member banks, which allows players to block their bank cards from being used on gambling sites.
The “Common Commitment of Care” is now fully functional, and legislation requires banks to develop enhanced employee training, support initiatives and blocking measures involving gambling activity.
The initiative was in response to a recent finding that 90% of Ireland’s online casino and sports betting transactions were taking place online, with 99% of those being funded by debit cards. The IBCB has called on other financial service providers to implement similar measures.
Finally, Ireland’s regulator has recently assisted the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) to conduct the 2025 National Student Survey on gambling, drugs and mental health. Undertaken on an annual basis, it seeks to examine gambling (and other) behaviours of students in the country.
Participation in the survey had been encouraged by the GRAI via a link on their website, with all submissions remaining confidential. Ireland’s fledgling GRAI has had a busy time of late, but the work of a highly efficient and successful regulator, it seems, is never truly done.
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