Ireland’s new gambling regulator GRAI (Gambling Regulation Authority of Ireland) has published the first national consultation on gambling harm. The work sets out where funding should go and where the system falls short. Social Impact Fund Ireland is the vehicle the authority plans to use to fix those gaps.

• Prevalence and impact: Around 3.3% of adults in Ireland are problem gamblers and 7% are at moderate risk, accounting for nearly half of gambling spend. Families and communities are also heavily affected, with harms ranging from financial debt to mental health issues.

• Consultation process: The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland and Pobal gathered input from 162 survey respondents and 54 focus group participants, including lived experience, affected others, counsellors, treatment providers, NGOs, and academics.

• System gaps: Current responses are fragmented, with limited national coordination, poor visibility of services, and weak referral pathways. Families and affected others often lack dedicated supports.

• Priority investments: Stakeholders called for funding across four areas – workforce development and training, coordinated national referral systems, recovery and family supports, and prevention/awareness campaigns including data and research infrastructure.

• Role of the fund: The Social Impact Fund, financed by a statutory levy on licensed operators, is seen as a critical opportunity to build infrastructure, ensure equitable access, and provide long-term, sustainable responses to gambling harm.

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