Ireland Fights Underage Gambling with Family Awareness Campaign

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has launched a new nationwide initiative. It targets parents and guardians, providing them with practical tools to identify and respond to early signs of underage gambling. The campaign will be disseminated through various channels, including radio and social media. This comes amidst the introduction of new online gambling licenses in Ireland.

Regulators are warning about the long-term risks of early exposure to gambling. The goal is to prevent the normalization of gambling at a young age.

Numbers and facts

Comprehensive studies underpin the necessity of these measures. Research commissioned by the GRAI from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) yielded concerning results. Children who gamble are twice as likely to develop gambling problems later in life. The study also reported that 64 percent of surveyed adults had gambled before turning 18. Underage betting increased the likelihood of future gambling harm by 83 percent to 87 percent. Furthermore, people with a parent who gambled were 80 percent more likely to struggle with gambling themselves. This highlights the importance of family education and early intervention.

Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO of the GRAI, clearly articulated the urgency of the situation: > “Children and young people are among the most at-risk members of Irish society when it comes to gambling exposure and harm. With online gambling available at any time of the day, it is easy for the warning signs to be hidden.”

The campaign aims to support early intervention before problematic gambling behavior escalates. Loot boxes and other randomized reward systems in video games are also addressed in the GRAI's guidelines. Regulators view these as mechanics that can normalize gambling-like behavior before children reach betting age. Parents are also encouraged to look out for behavioral changes such as mood swings and secrecy around money.

Background

The Irish Gambling Regulation Act was enacted in 2024. It introduced penalties for allowing underage gambling and expanded the regulator’s enforcement powers. The new online gambling licenses have now come into effect. This marks a major step in the rollout of the new system. Licenses for in-person betting are set to follow later this year. Lottery, B2B, and charitable gaming licenses are expected in 2027 and 2028.

In other European countries, there is also a heightened awareness of youth protection and dealing with gambling. The Dutch Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) is also focusing on the protection of minors and young adults in 2026. It aims to reduce the number of people in this age group who come into contact with and participate in gambling. The KSA plans to expand advertising campaigns to raise awareness of gambling risks. Similar efforts to restrict gambling advertising have existed in the past, for example, with a ban on gambling ads across most media channels in July 2023.

Why it matters for German players

For German players, the situation is different, but the issue of youth protection remains central. Since the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021), Germany has had strict regulation of online gambling. The Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) is responsible for issuing and supervising licenses. German players can only play at casinos that are on the so-called GGL whitelist. These casinos are subject to comprehensive protective measures aimed at preventing gambling addiction and ensuring youth protection.

These include a monthly deposit limit of 1,000 euros, which is monitored via the central self-exclusion system LUGAS. There is also a strict stake limit of one euro per spin for online slot machines. Advertising for online gambling is also strictly regulated. The authorities continuously check compliance with these requirements. Gambling games that are still advertised with foreign licenses from Malta or Curacao are illegal in Germany and pose a high risk to players. They often do not offer comparable protection mechanisms.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For GGL-licensed casinos in Germany, the Irish initiative further confirms the stringent path taken in the GlüStV 2021. The focus on youth protection and early detection of problems is also a priority in Germany. German licensees must ensure that minors do not have access to their offerings. This is ensured through comprehensive verification procedures and seamless connection to LUGAS. The experiences from Ireland show how important it is not only to rely on prohibitions but also to proactively develop information campaigns for families. This could be a model that could be further expanded in Germany in a similar form, especially with regard to sensitizing parents to the risks of early exposure to gambling and loot boxes. Continuous review and adaptation of protective measures are essential to secure the integrity of the regulated market.