The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), the country’s new industry regulator, has partnered with the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) to help streamline the process for complaints related to gambling adverts.
Announced on 11 December, the partnership will see the ASA and GRAI work together on handling gambling advert complaints in Ireland. This covers all forms of advertising including across broadcast and online channels.
Once fully established, the GRAI will deal with complaints and queries regarding licensees, while the ASA will handle other complaints related to gambling ads as it does in the UK.
Both the GRAI and ASA said the partnership will ensure gambling advert content adheres to the Advertising Standards Authority Code. The organisations will meet quarterly to review activity, discuss trends and share data.
Free advertising complaints service for consumers
Those with gambling advertising concerns in Ireland can file a complaint via one of two ways under the ASA’s existing reporting system.
The first option is to report an ad anonymously by completing a form online and submitting feedback about their concerns. The ASA then reviews the content and may opt to carry out a formal investigation.
Secondly, an individual or body can elect to file a formal complaint with the ASA. This can be in relation to the content of an ad that appears in any form of media or how the promotion has been carried out.
New Ireland regulator commits to protecting the public
The GRAI was established under the Gambling Regulation Bill, which passed on the evening of 16 October this year after first being introduced in December 2022.
Along with creating a new regulator in GRAI, it includes various other changes to Ireland’s gambling sector. These include a national self-exclusion scheme, tighter restrictions on advertising, a new licensing regime and stricter rules for venues that offer gaming machines. It marks the first regulatory update in Ireland since 1956.
The regulator is in the process of hiring for a number of roles including board members.
Anne-Marie Caulfield, CEO designate at GRAI, said that assuming control of regulation will help to better protect consumers in Ireland. She added that the new partnership with the ASA forms part of this approach.
“By working with the ASA, 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 ASA’s code,” Caulfield said.
“Our partnership reiterates our commitment to safeguard the public. It will ensure they are informed and protected by upholding the highest standards of marketing communications.”
ASA: adverts must be legal, decent, honest and truthful
ASA chief executive Orla Twomey also welcomed the new link-up.
“The aim of the ASA is to ensure that advertisements are legal, decent, honest and truthful for consumers,” Twomey said. “This partnership underscores our shared commitment to protecting consumers. By joining forces, we will remain dedicated to ensuring that the public can easily access information on responsible gambling advertising.”