The Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASA) has unveiled a partnership with the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). Under the deal, the GRAI, which will be responsible for licensing and regulatory matters concerning the gambling industry, will streamline the process of complaints about gambling ads.
ASA and GRAI Want to Ensure Transparent and Fair Advertising
As agreed, the two bodies will split responsibility for advertising-related matters. This agreement will see the gambling regulator advise consumers to send ad-related complaints to the ASA directly.
The two authorities will furthermore collaborate in triaging complaints. Under the deal, the GRAI will be responsible for complaints regarding entities that hold Irish licenses, while the ASA will handle other complaints.
This agreement reinforces the GRAI and ASA’s commitment to ensuring that all gambling ads in Ireland adhere to the standards outlined in the Advertising Standards Authority Code.
The Two Regulators Are Looking Forward to Collaborating
Representatives of the two regulatory bodies expressed delight about the tie-up, which will reinforce their capabilities to tackle ad violations. According to ASA CEO Orla Twomey, it is crucial to ensure that all ads are legal, decent, honest and truthful. She added:
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
Orla Twomey, CEO, Advertising Standards Authority
GRAI’s CEO, Anne-Marie Caulfield, said that the GRAI is looking forward to promoting a safe and transparent gambling sector that provides players with entertainment without exposing them to unnecessary risk. To that end, the GRAI will work with the ASA to address ad concerns and make sure all advertisements align with the latter authority’s standards.
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.
Anne-Marie Caulfield, CEO designate, GRAI
For reference, the new partnership comes shortly after the collaboration between the ASA and the Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO) to streamline cinema advertising complaints. In addition to that, the advertising regulator signed a Cooperation Agreement with Coimisiún na Meán, the statutory body responsible for online safety and media regulation.
In other news, an Irish soccer athlete was recently suspended from competing for several months after making illegal bets. Earlier, a Dublin man who tried to sell cannabis in order to settle a gambling debt received a prison sentence.