As promoted by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), responsible gambling means making informed choices about when, where, and how much you gamble. The information contained here is intended to help you do exactly that. As we promote the services of gambling providers on this site, we believe it is important that our customers are made aware of the risks that can be associated with gambling, as well as information about where they can find further advice and support should they require it.
Online gambling should be entertainment and a fun way to spend your time. However, there are times when it becomes more than that and the Fun Stops. Then it is time to take a break or consider quitting altogether.
We at BonusFinder promote responsible gambling. All the casinos and sports betting sites we partner with have the option to set deposit limits or self exclude for a certain time period or permanently.
Gambling harms assessment
This brief screening tool can help you reflect on your gambling habits. Your answers are completely private and are not stored or transmitted anywhere.
Responsible Gambling in Ireland
Gambling is a popular pastime in Ireland, but it carries real risks for a significant minority of players. The most comprehensive study to date the Health Research Board All Ireland Gambling Prevalence Survey provides a clear picture of the scale of the issue.
| Statistic | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Adults who gambled in the past year | ~58% | HRB All Ireland Gambling Prevalence Survey |
| Problem gambling rate (adult population) | ~0.7% | HRB All Ireland Gambling Prevalence Survey |
| At-risk gamblers (moderate harm) | ~2–3% of gamblers | HRB All Ireland Gambling Prevalence Survey |
| Most common gambling activity | National Lottery / scratch cards | HRB All Ireland Gambling Prevalence Survey |
| Online gambling participation | Fastest-growing segment | GRAI / Gambling Regulation Act 2024 |
Ireland's problem gambling rate of approximately 0.7% is more than double the UK rate of 0.3%, yet Ireland had no dedicated national gambling regulator until the establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. The Act represents the most significant overhaul of Irish gambling law in over 20 years and introduces, for the first time, a unified licensing and player protection framework for all gambling operators targeting Irish players.
How to Gamble Safely
GambleAware is a leading non profit organisation dedicated to educating on and fighting against gambling related harms. Their ten point list of tips on how to gamble safely is a useful starting point:
- Don't think of gambling as a way to make money
- Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
- Set a money limit in advance
- Set a time limit in advance
- Never chase your losses
- Don't gamble when you're depressed or upset
- Balance gambling with other activities
- Don't take your bank card with you
- Take frequent breaks
- Don't drink or use drugs when gambling
Whilst the list is aimed at all gamblers, it has equal merit for online players. We strongly recommend using deposit limits and session time limits available in your account settings at any licensed Irish site. The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) oversees all licensed gambling operators in Ireland and sets the standards operators must meet to protect players.
Signs of Gambling Problem
The definition of gambling problem, addiction or disorder varies in different countries and sources. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) calls it gambling disorder and defines it as: "gambling disorder involves repeated gambling behaviour that causes significant problems or distress."
According to the APA, a diagnosis of gambling disorder requires at least four of the following during the past year:
- Need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired excitement
- Restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling
- Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back or stop gambling
- Frequent thoughts about gambling (such as reliving past gambling experiences, planning the next gambling venture, thinking of ways to get money to gamble)
- Often gambling when feeling distressed
- After losing money gambling, often returning to get even (chasing losses)
- Lying to conceal gambling activity
- Jeopardising or losing a significant relationship, job or educational or career opportunity because of gambling
- Relying on others to help with problems caused by gambling
If you recognise four or more of these signs in yourself or someone you know, support is available in Ireland right now.
Gambling Care IE: 01 561 9273 / www.gamblingcare.ie
Gamblers Anonymous Ireland: 1800 753 753 / www.gamblersanonymous.ie
Problem Gambling Ireland: www.problemgambling.ie
HSE Drug and Alcohol Helpline: 1800 459 459 free, 24/7
The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 — What It Means for Irish Players
The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 is the most significant piece of gambling legislation in Ireland in over 20 years. It replaces a fragmented patchwork of outdated laws and introduces a modern, centralised framework for how gambling is regulated, licensed, and enforced in Ireland. Here is what it means for players.
| What Changed | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| GRAI established as national regulator | The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is now the single authority overseeing all gambling in Ireland. All licensed operators must answer to GRAI. Look for GRAI licensing as the baseline Irish standard when choosing a site. |
| New operator licence categories | All gambling operators targeting Irish players must hold a GRAI licence. Sites operating without one are illegal in Ireland. |
| National self-exclusion register (planned) | The Act provides for a national self-exclusion register one registration that excludes you from all GRAI licensed operators simultaneously. The register is being developed with rollout expected in the coming years. |
| Advertising restrictions | New rules include a 9pm watershed on gambling advertising on TV and radio, restrictions on use of celebrities and sports personalities, and a ban on advertising that targets minors or vulnerable people. |
| Social Impact Fund | Operators are required to contribute to a Social Impact Fund that finances problem gambling treatment, research, and public awareness campaigns in Ireland ending the prior system of voluntary contributions. |
| Player protection duties on operators | Licensed operators must implement responsible gambling tools including deposit limits, loss limits, session limits, and self exclusion. Failure to do so is a breach of their GRAI licence conditions. |
Source: Government of Ireland Gambling Regulation Act 2024, Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI).
Self Exclusion in Ireland
Self exclusion is one of the most effective tools for anyone whose gambling has become a problem. In Ireland, the landscape is currently in transition the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 provides for a national register, but individual operator level tools are available right now.
National Self Exclusion Register (Coming)
The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 requires GRAI to establish a national self exclusion register. Once live, a single registration will exclude you from every GRAI-licensed gambling operator simultaneously. GRAI is currently developing the register and rollout is expected in the coming years. Check www.gamblingregulation.ie for the latest updates.
Self Exclude at Individual Operators (Available Now)
While the national register is being built, you can self exclude from each licensed operator individually:
- Log into your account and go to Account Settings → Responsible Gambling → Self Exclusion.
- Select your exclusion period options typically range from 6 months to permanent exclusion.
- Confirm your choice. Your account is locked immediately and all marketing communications must stop.
- Any remaining balance must be returned to you by the operator.
Support Organisations That Can Help
If you need additional support or advice on self-exclusion, these Irish organisations can help:
- Gambling Care IE — 01 561 9273 — counselling and self exclusion advice
- Gamblers Anonymous Ireland — 1800 753 753 — peer support and 12-step programme
- Problem Gambling Ireland — information and referral service
Important note: GamStop (gamstop.co.uk) is a UK-only scheme and does not operate in Ireland. Irish players cannot use GamStop to self exclude from Irish licensed operators.
RAiG and Irish Responsible Gambling Standards
BonusFinder Ireland is a proud member of RAiG (Responsible Affiliates in Gambling). Here is what that means in practice for Irish players who use our site.
RAiG is an independent body that sets social responsibility standards for gambling affiliate websites across the UK and Ireland. Founded in May 2019, RAiG operates a mandatory annual audit programme every member site must pass an independent third party social responsibility audit each year to retain membership. The audit covers:
- Responsible gambling content — verifying that pages like this one provide accurate, up to date information and link to relevant local support organisations
- Marketing practices — ensuring affiliate promotions do not target vulnerable people, minors, or those who have self excluded
- Operator partnerships — confirming that all recommended casinos and sportsbooks hold valid licences from the relevant regulator (in Ireland's case, GRAI)
- Complaints and corrections — verifying a clear process exists for users to raise concerns about content or conduct
RAiG membership is recognised by GRAI and the UK Gambling Commission as a marker of responsible affiliate practice. As a RAiG member operating in Ireland, BonusFinder is committed to aligning with the player protection requirements introduced under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 including ensuring all recommended operators hold GRAI licences and offer mandatory responsible gambling tools to Irish players. You can read the full details of the social responsibility audit BonusFinder has passed here.
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