Ireland’s long-delayed gambling reforms are drawing sharp criticism as promised protections remain uncertain months after launching the new regulator.
A recent Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) finding—showing that one in 30 Irish adults now suffers from problem gambling—delivers a stark wake-up call as reform efforts stall. This figure is significantly higher than previous estimates and signals a widening public health concern.
This article examines the backlash to the delayed start of key changes under Ireland’s new gambling regulation regime. It explores growing public disquiet over slipping timelines, industry reaction to prolonged uncertainty, criticism of government sluggishness, and warnings from campaigners about the risks of continued delay.
Public frustration grows as reform timeline slips
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), established under the 2024 Act, began operations in March 2025. However, its full licensing powers and the launch of the Social Impact Fund have been pushed out to mid-2026. The fund, intended to finance addiction support services, prevention programmes, and research, will only begin once licensing is in place—meaning the revenue stream to drive these supports is still over a year away.
Many citizens and advocacy groups argue that this delay directly impacts those most at risk. With the ESRI study showing problem-gambling prevalence ten times higher than earlier estimates, frustration is mounting that promised protections are not arriving quickly enough.
The delay has also affected public trust. For those who welcomed the creation of the GRAI as a long-awaited safeguard against gambling-related harm, the news that core measures will not be in effect until next year feels like a step backwards. Community addiction services say they are already operating at capacity, with waiting lists stretching into months. Without the promised funding, they warn, the system risks leaving vulnerable people without timely help.
Industry voices concerns over uncertainty
Operators across the betting and gaming sector say the drawn-out schedule has created a climate of uncertainty. Even elements such as Irish no deposit casinos, commonly used as low-entry offers for players, now face questions over their future as the regulatory framework remains incomplete.
These offers, which allow players to try games without staking their own money initially, are part of a broader set of promotions whose legality under the forthcoming rules is unclear. Industry representatives point out that while such incentives are not inherently linked to problem gambling, they may fall under planned restrictions on inducements, including bans on free bets or bonuses aimed at attracting new customers.
The lack of clarity has led some operators to put marketing plans on hold or scale back promotional activity. Others say investment decisions are being delayed until there is a definitive timeline and rulebook. This uncertainty has a knock-on effect for related sectors such as advertising, sponsorship, and hospitality, which often rely on gaming partnerships.
Government faces criticism for slow action
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has defended the phased approach, arguing that a robust and enforceable framework requires time to develop. He has pointed to the complexity of building a regulatory system from scratch, particularly one that can respond to rapid technological changes in gambling products and platforms.
However, opposition parties and some government backbenchers have criticised the pace. Labour TD Mark Wall has said that the mid-2026 implementation date fails to reflect the urgency of the situation, citing high rates of youth gambling participation as a particular concern. Recent surveys indicate that more than one in five 16-year-olds in Ireland have gambled in the past year, despite age restrictions.
Critics argue that the government could have introduced interim measures—such as immediate advertising restrictions or partial funding allocations—while the full system was being established. They contend that a long lead-in period benefits operators more than the public, allowing current practices to continue with minimal interference.
Campaigners warn of harm from prolonged delay
Campaigners and addiction specialists warn that every month of delay risks further harm. Without the Social Impact Fund in operation, services remain reliant on limited public health budgets and charitable donations. This creates a postcode lottery for support, with some areas offering counselling and therapy within weeks, while others have waits of several months.
In April 2025, the GRAI launched public consultations on how the Social Impact Fund should be allocated. These discussions have attracted significant input from treatment providers, academics, and advocacy groups. However, without the fund’s actual launch, these proposals remain theoretical.
Grassroots providers say the demand for help has never been higher. They report an increase in younger clients, often with gambling problems linked to online platforms and sports betting. Many also highlight the rise in gambling-related debt, which can lead to secondary issues such as housing instability and mental health crises.
Ireland’s first fully funded outpatient programme for problem gambling, launched earlier this year, is seen as a positive step. It offers one-to-one counselling, group therapy, and aftercare support. But providers warn that without sustained investment from the Social Impact Fund, such initiatives will remain isolated examples rather than a national standard.
What´s Next?
As the clock ticks toward mid-2026, the delayed rollout of Ireland’s gambling reforms has become a point of contention for the public, industry, and political opposition alike.
For citizens concerned about rising problem-gambling rates, the wait for protections feels dangerously long. For operators, the uncertainty complicates planning and investment. For campaigners, the delay means preventable harm continues to mount.
With problem gambling affecting one in 30 adults and youth exposure remaining high, the stakes are considerable. Whether the government can accelerate parts of the reform or reassure the public about its commitment will likely shape the political debate on gambling policy for the rest of the year.