GRAI Publishes Update on Social Impact Fund Following Industry Consultation

The consultation engaged 162 survey respondents and 54 focus group participants, including individuals with lived experience of gambling harm, affected family members, addiction counsellors, treatment providers, NGOs, and academic researchers. The diverse group of stakeholders provided critical feedback to shape Ireland’s approach to addressing gambling-related harm through the Social Impact Fund.

Gambling Harm Identified as Hidden Crisis

Participants described gambling addiction as a hidden but widespread issue, made worse by the widespread presence of advertising and accessibility of online platforms. The consultation highlighted significant gaps in Ireland’s current support system, with stakeholders pointing to the absence of a national framework or unified referral system that leaves many people navigating fragmented and inconsistent services.

Several key themes emerged across all participant groups. Stigma and lack of awareness were identified as major barriers to early intervention, while families and affected others were seen as carrying significant emotional and financial burdens despite having limited access to dedicated support services.

The consultation revealed that community-based aftercare and follow-up care for those leaving treatment remain underdeveloped. Workforce training on gambling-specific interventions was also considered insufficient across the sector.

ESRI Study Shows Problem Gambling Prevalence

A recent study by the Economic and Social Research Institute estimated that 1 in 30 adults, or approximately 130,000 people, are experiencing problem gambling in Ireland. This estimate represents a ten-fold increase compared to previous problem gambling estimates in Ireland.

The GRAI acknowledged the ESRI findings and stated: “While the Social Impact Fund strategy is still in development, the GRAI is clear in its focus on the use of data for monitoring and compliance activities as well as providing evidence to support further policy development and robust data collection and reporting will be central to that.”

Priority Investment Areas Identified

The consultation report highlights several priority areas for investment through the Social Impact Fund:

Workforce Development: Specialist training programs and integration of gambling harm education into addiction treatment curricula.

Service Coordination: Development of national referral pathways and outreach programs targeting underserved groups.

Aftercare and Family Support: Structured aftercare programs and dedicated family support services.

Research and Prevention: Increased investment in awareness campaigns, prevention programs, and research initiatives.

Participants stressed that the fund should not simply distribute grants but should act strategically to build a coherent national system of care. Stakeholders expressed strong support for awareness campaigns co-produced with people who have lived experience of gambling harm.

Funding Design Principles Established

Stakeholders provided clear guidance on principles for funding design, repeatedly emphasizing the need for transparency, inclusion of lived experience, cross-sector collaboration, and sustainability. Participants called for multi-annual funding models to provide stability for services, reduce over-reliance on short-term projects, and ensure equitable provision across geographic and demographic lines.

Next Steps in Fund Development

The GRAI described the consultation as the first step toward developing the fund’s investment strategy. The regulator has already begun the second phase of data collection from relevant service providers, with a call for further engagement now available on the GRAI website.

The regulator explained that responses will be used to demonstrate the level of investment required nationally and assess the capacity of services to expand and address gambling-related harm.

The GRAI will conduct a wider public consultation following the development of its draft funding strategy for the Social Impact Fund, though no specific timeframe has been set for this next phase.

The consultation findings will inform draft regulations and funding structures ahead of the first licensed gambling operations contributing to the fund in 2026, when Ireland’s new gambling regulatory framework becomes fully operational.

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About the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is Ireland’s new statutory gambling regulator, established under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. The GRAI is responsible for licensing and regulating gambling activities across Ireland, with a focus on consumer protection and harm prevention.

Source: The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland