Key Moments:
- Approximately 10% of Irish gamblers have four or more active betting accounts, according to new data from the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI).
- The Gambling Regulatory Authority has observed that a quarter of gamblers regularly receive daily notifications encouraging continued betting.
- The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) intends to publish a comprehensive report on gambling behaviors in Ireland in early 2026.
GRAI Identifies Concerning Gambling Patterns
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has drawn attention to a series of worrisome developments impacting bettors in the country. Data revealed in advance of a full report from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) indicates that about one in ten Irish gamblers maintain at least four active betting accounts. The ESRI’s research aims to offer fresh insights into the nation’s gambling habits.
Detailed Report Highlights Consumer Risk
Anne Marie Caulfield, chief executive of GRAI, outlined several key risks emerging from the ESRI’s study at the St John of God Research Foundation’s annual research conference. According to the findings, 10% of sports bettors place wagers while at work, and another 10% have multiple active accounts. Roughly 25% of gamblers receive daily push notifications enticing them to place more bets. Future legislation is set to include an option for users to opt out of these messages, with Caulfield stating, “That’s something that you will be allowed to opt out of in future under the legislation, where you decide you do not want to receive those notifications.”
Cross-Selling and Withdrawals Remain Focus Areas
The regulator expressed concern over cross-selling practices, where bettors registered for sports or horse racing events are approached with free spin offers or similar incentives to engage with casino products, often unsolicited. Caulfield added, “Also, three in four made a deposit in the past year, and we did find through this study that people found it relatively easy to make a withdrawal, but a little bit more difficult to withdraw than to add to their accounts,” Caulfield noted.
Upcoming Policy Shifts and Legislative Goals
Efforts are underway to introduce a new licensing framework aimed at better oversight and player protection. A central feature will be a national self-exclusion register to allow individuals to block themselves from all licensed platforms, offering an additional safeguard for those seeking to control their gambling activities. Lawmakers expect that the ESRI’s complete report, expected in early 2026, will inform the development of a sweeping Gambling Regulation Bill to modernize Ireland’s gaming laws and strengthen consumer protection measures.
| Key Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| % of gamblers with 4+ accounts | 10% |
| % betting at work | 10% |
| % receiving daily betting notifications | 25% |
- Author
Daniel Williams
