Ireland’s newly established gambling authority has teamed up with the nation’s ad oversight entity to streamline the process for lodging complaints about gambling advertisements.
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), created following the approval of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, is collaborating with the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASA) to efficiently manage public grievances concerning marketing materials.
According to the plan, consumers can now direct their advertising complaints to the ASA instead of through the GRAI, the latter announced.
Looking forward, when the GRAI is formally operational, it will handle complaints specifically related to operators licensed under its jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, the ASA will address “other complaints” regarding entities not possessing a GRAI license.
GRAI will provide complainants with relevant ASA contact information, which will also be accessible on the regulator’s online platform.
Both organizations stated that this new alliance aims to ensure gambling advertisements meet the stringent requirements of the Advertising Standards Authority Code.
Current ASA guidelines for gambling promotions include mandates for responsible gambling messages and prohibitions on targeting minors.
Marketing content must also avoid linking gambling with personal, professional, financial, or sexual success and must not feature individuals who are, or seem to be, under 25 years old.
The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 introduced updates to advertising rules, including a ban on ads airing between 5:30 a.m. and 9 p.m., along with a complete prohibition on social media marketing.
Customers must also actively opt-in to receive online ads under this new structure.
Anne-Marie Caulfield, the designated CEO of GRAI, highlighted that this partnership signifies a pledge to enhance standards within the newly regulated sector.
She stated, “By partnering with the Advertising Standards Authority, as the GRAI’s capabilities are activated, we aim to swiftly and effectively address public concerns regarding advertising related to gambling, in alignment with the Advertising Standard Authority’s guidelines.
“Our collaboration reaffirms our commitment to safeguarding the public and ensuring they are informed and protected by upholding exemplary marketing communication standards.”
Orla Twomey, CEO of ASA, expressed their excitement for the collaboration with GRAI, emphasizing the aim to protect the public from problematic gambling, especially shielding children from gambling-related environments.
She added, “The core goal of the Advertising Standards Authority is to ensure advertisements are legal, decent, honest, and truthfully represented to consumers.
“This partnership highlights our mutual dedication to consumer protection, and by joining forces, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing the public with easy access to information on responsible gambling advertising.”
The announcement titled “Irish regulator partners with advertising watchdog to bolster standards” originally appeared on EGR Intel.
