The legal minimum: 18, no exceptions
The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 sets 18 as a consistent floor across betting, casino, bingo, and most other regulated gambling formats. There's no lower threshold for "soft" games like slots, and no loophole for free-to-play demo modes that lead into real-money play. It's a criminal offence to allow a child — anyone under 18 — to gamble, carrying penalties of up to 8 years' imprisonment and/or a fine.
What operators actually have to check
From 1 July 2026, anyone holding a remote gambling licence must verify a person's identity and age before allowing them to register — not as an afterthought once money is already involved. That means proof of identity, plus a bank, building society, or credit union statement issued within the last 6 months confirming their address. Critically, the burden of proof sits with the operator: a checkbox saying "I am over 18" doesn't satisfy this requirement on its own.
GRAI's new campaign for parents
This month, GRAI launched a nationwide awareness campaign developed with the HSE Addiction Services, running across video-on-demand, radio, digital audio, and social media. GRAI's CEO, Anne Marie Caulfield, framed the stakes plainly: children and young people are among the most at-risk members of Irish society when it comes to gambling exposure and harm. The campaign followed research GRAI commissioned from the ESRI, which found that children who gamble are roughly twice as likely to develop gambling-related problems as adults.
Warning signs GRAI's guidance highlights
- Increased secrecy around money — hiding purchases, spending, or accounts.
- Unexplained spending — money or in-game currency that doesn't match known income or allowance.
- Noticeable mood changes — particularly tied to wins, losses, or being unable to access a game or app.
How to report suspected underage gambling
Three routes, depending on the situation: contact the licensee directly if you witness it at a specific location or site; email GRAI directly at [email protected]; or contact An Garda Síochána at your local station for a formal report. Industry bodies such as the Irish Bookmakers Association also accept reports and say they act on them.
Related reading
See GRAI vs MGA vs UKGC for how licensing categories differ, and the National Gambling Exclusion Register for the adult-facing self-exclusion equivalent.