Support & safeguards
Responsible gambling: tools, rights and where to get help.
One of the main purposes of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 is protecting people from gambling harm. Licensed operators owe you specific safeguards — and free, confidential support exists whether or not you use them.
Tools licensed operators must provide
- Deposit and loss limits — set a cap on what you can put in or lose over a period; increases should apply only after a cooling-off delay.
- Session time controls — reminders and limits on how long you play.
- Account closure on request — an operator must close your account when you ask.
- No credit gambling — credit cards and operator-facilitated credit are banned.
- Age verification — mandatory checks; gambling under 18 is prohibited.
The national self-exclusion register
The Act provides for a national self-exclusion register operated under the GRAI, allowing you to exclude yourself from all licensed operators in one step rather than site by site. Check grai.ie for the current status and how to register as the system rolls out. In the meantime, individual operators must offer their own self-exclusion facilities.
Free, confidential support in Ireland
GamblingCare.ie
Free counselling and support for anyone affected by gambling — including family members. Phone, online and in-person options.
gamblingcare.ie →HSE supports
The Health Service Executive provides addiction services and can direct you to local supports through your GP or community services.
hse.ie →Gamblers Anonymous Ireland
Peer-support meetings held around the country for people who want to stop gambling.
gamblersanonymous.ie →If an operator breaks the rules
Failing to honour account closure, ignoring self-exclusion, or accepting credit card deposits are breaches of a licensed operator’s obligations. Our complaints guide explains how to report them and what the GRAI can act on.
Signs worth taking seriously
- Spending more than you planned, or chasing losses to "get back to even".
- Hiding gambling from family or borrowing to fund it.
- Gambling to cope with stress, or feeling restless when not gambling.
- Gambling taking priority over bills, work or relationships.
None of these mean anything is "wrong with you" — they're common patterns, and talking to someone early makes a real difference. Support services are free, confidential, and used to hearing exactly these stories.