The rule in plain terms
Television and radio broadcasters operating in Ireland cannot air gambling advertisements between 5:30am and 9pm. Outside that window, gambling ads remain permitted, subject to other content standards already in place for the sector.
What isn't covered yet
The watershed as currently commenced applies specifically to broadcast TV and radio. Online display ads, search ads, and social media promotion sit under separate, still-developing provisions of GRAI's advertising code — the two shouldn't be assumed to follow identical rules.
The reasoning behind it
GRAI-commissioned research found links between childhood exposure to gambling advertising, parental gambling habits, and higher risk of developing gambling problems later in life. The watershed is framed explicitly as a child-protection measure rather than a general advertising restriction.
Related reading
See also our explainer on the credit card gambling ban and the National Gambling Exclusion Register — both commenced as part of the same February 2026 order.