ASA Ireland Works with New GRAI – What’s Next for the Partnership?
It has been confirmed that Ireland’s new gambling regulator is setting up a partnership with the country’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).
ASA Ireland has formed a partnership with the new GRAI. © ASPhotohrapy, Pixabay
Key Facts:
- New GRAI is still in the development stage in Ireland
- Regulator is set to work closely with the Advertising Standards Agency
- Leaders of both organisations spoke in support of the move
- Collaborative work on triaging complaints around marketing communications
While the new Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has been announced and Anne-Marie Caulfield has been confirmed as CEO designate, it will not be up and running until early next year.
Work is ongoing behind the scenes to get the new regulatory body up to speed, and the partnership with the ASA is the latest step.
Thanks to the partnership, the GRAI will advise consumers of betting sites in Ireland that they can direct complaints around gambling advertising to the ASA.
Restrictions On Licenses
Speaking about the partnership with the ASA, Caulfield explained the GRAI will be aiming to promote a gambling sector that operates transparently, particularly in relation to the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 that was recently passed into law.
She said in a statement: “This Act contains a number of restrictions on licences in relation to advertising, social media and more. It will also create awareness of problem gambling and establish safeguards to address it.”
“By working with the Advertising Standards Authority, as the GRAI’s powers are commenced, we will aim to address any concerns raised by the public about advertising in and surrounding gambling promptly and effectively, in line with the Advertising Standard Authority’s code.”
“Our partnership reiterates our commitment to safeguard the public, and to ensure they are informed and protected by upholding the highest standards of marketing communications.”
Decent, Honest And Truthful
Orla Twomey, the ASA’s chief executive, said the body is delighted to be teaming up with the new GRAI in its goal of safeguarding the public from problem gambling.
She said: “The aim of the Advertising Standards Authority is to ensure that advertisements are legal, decent, honest and truthful for consumers.”
“This partnership underscores our shared commitment to protecting consumers, and, by joining forces, we will remain dedicated to ensuring that the public can easily access information on responsible gambling advertising.”
A major part of the gambling industry changes coming into force in Ireland is a new watershed on advertising that operators will have to abide by or face censure from the GRAI.
However, some experts believe the gambling ad changes will not come into force until 2026.
