The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has endorsed the launch of a dedicated platform aimed at addressing gambling-related harm within the country's sporting community.
The Gameplan initiative, accessible at www.thegameplanhub.ie, provides practical resources for athletes, coaches and clubs to navigate modern gambling risks. The platform is supported by the Gambling Awareness Trust and represents a targeted approach to harm prevention in Irish sport.
Regulatory backing for peer-driven education
Anne Marie Caulfield, Chief Executive of GRAI, highlighted the initiative's alignment with the regulator's broader mandate.
"The GRAI welcomes this initiative as a timely and necessary contribution to reducing gambling‑related harm within Irish sport. Protecting the integrity of sport and safeguarding the wellbeing of athletes, particularly young people, are central aspects of the GRAI's mandate."
— Grai
The regulator emphasised the value of experience-based education in identifying problem gambling warning signs.
"Peer‑driven education, informed by lived experience, is a vital component in helping clubs and sporting organisations identify the warning signs of problem gambling and support members who need help with their gambling."
— Grai
About GRAI
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland was established under the Gambling Regulation Act 2021 and officially commenced operations in December 2023. As Ireland's first dedicated gambling regulator, GRAI oversees licensing, compliance, and consumer protection across all forms of gambling including online betting, casinos, and lotteries.
Complementing regulatory framework
Caulfield positioned the platform as enhancing Ireland's evolving gambling regulatory environment.
"The GRAI commends all partners involved in developing this programme; it is a valuable complement to the wider regulatory framework that will ensure a safer and more accountable gambling environment in Ireland."
— Grai
Strategic implications for operators
This endorsement signals GRAI's commitment to multi-faceted harm prevention approaches beyond traditional regulatory mechanisms. The platform's focus on sport-specific education creates a template that could influence how operators develop their own responsible gambling initiatives, particularly those with sports betting operations in Ireland.
Industry Insight
Operators should consider developing sport-specific responsible gambling programs that leverage peer education models. This proactive approach aligns with regulatory expectations and demonstrates commitment to harm prevention beyond mandatory compliance requirements.
According to GRAI.
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