GRAI: Ireland’s debut gambling regulator opens Dublin offices

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has unveiled its debut suite of offices this week, as the body prepares for its first summer as the nation’s primary industry overseer. 

Located on Mount Street in Dublin, these facilities will serve as the main hub for all GRAI operations. 

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The GRAI welcomed minister for justice, Jim O’Callaghan and minister for state, Niall Collins, to cut the red tape on the group’s all-new headquarters. Officials representing the department of justice were also in attendance.

Speaking at the ceremony, both ministers outlined the critical nature of the GRAI’s directive – with its mandate to protect, educate and monitor all industry actions undertaken by nationwide operators. 

In addition, minister O’Callaghan discussed the regulatory organisation’s framework and strategy with multi-sector staff – reaffirming his support for all upcoming affairs.

The state and justice ministers also pulled back the curtain to reveal a commemorative plaque marking the occasion. Anne Marie Caulfield, GRAI CEO and group chairperson, Paul Quinn, joined the government officials throughout the event.

Speaking at the function, chairperson Quinn pointed to the impressive progress delivered by Anne Marie Caulfield and her team: 

“On behalf of my colleagues, I would like to acknowledge the excellent groundwork that has been already laid by Anne Marie and her colleagues in both the Authority and in the Department of Justice over the last couple of years. This hard work set us well on the road to success, albeit we know there will be the inevitable twists and turns in progressively introducing regulation.”

Quinn continued to detail the importance of public and industry trust, citing licensing, compliance and enforcement as “the three legs of the regulatory stool” necessary to form a strong framework.

Problem gambling stood as a central element in Quinn’s speech, as the chairperson touched on the national “societal impacts” of gambling harm: “I am clear that in the coming years our work will make an enormous difference to the lives of so many people affected by gambling addiction.”

Anne Marie Caulfield took to the floor next and immediately asserted the gravity of Ireland’s Gambling Regulation Act. Moreover, Caulfield praised the team’s focused efforts while assembling a suitable path towards regulated domestic gambling: 

“At every stage of the legislative process, the public health mandate was kept front and centre, and as an independent regulatory body, we will continue to keep public health at the centre of everything we do.

“This commitment is reflected in our mission to effectively regulate and educate in order to safeguard current and future generations from gambling harm.”

Launched in March 2025, the GRAI endeavours to limit certain types of gambling advertising, address criminal gambling activity and increase problem gambling awareness. 

Operators planning to provide gambling content in Ireland must obtain a license from the GRAI. Applications are now open – with the organisation’s website welcoming those who wish to register interest in business to business, business to consumer and charitable certificates.