Restrictions for the mass market

1) Who "can" and under what conditions

Age 18 + for all forms of betting and money risk games.

Identification and geo-control: verification of identity, address and location with online access; offline - checking ID at the entrance to 18 + zones and private clubs.

Self-exclusion: voluntary exclusion mechanisms are in place; with the launch of the new regulator, a single national register is expected to apply to all licensed operators.

2) Payments and financial constraints

Credit cards are prohibited (or in a strict restrictive mode): the mass market is based on debit/bank payments and cash "on account."

Checks of availability and source of funds (risk-based): with increased amounts, frequent deposit-withdrawal and "red flags" operators request supporting documents.

Transparent payments: fixed cashout windows/limits on one-time issues, visible enrollment dates; obligation to inform about commissions and conditions.

3) Advertising, marketing and promo: hard and targeted

Time windows ("watershed"): prohibition or substantial restrictions on daytime gambling advertising; evening/night slots - with reservations and disclaimers.

Age targeting: strict audience settings 18 +, exclusion of youth interests and sites.

Without "youth appeal": you cannot use characters, stylistics and influencers who attract minors in creativity.

Bonuses and offers: transparent rules, ban on misleading wording; mandatory notifications about risks, limits and conditions of wagering.

Affiliates are jointly and severally liable: the same standards of targeting, tonality and disclosure of terms.

4) UX constraints and "responsible design"

One-click self-control tools: deposit/loss/time limits, timeouts, easy self-exclusion, reminders of session duration.

Interface integrity: banning visual practices that create the illusion of control or overestimation of chances; clear publication of odds/probabilities and RTP (for relevant products).

Responsible notifications: soft "stop signals" for signs of risky behavior (quick deposits, long sessions, attempts to make up for losses).

5) Online: what is available to a mass audience

Betting and betting exchanges - legal and regulated; licenses and taxation apply to both retail and remote services.

Online casinos/slots have historically operated through offshore licenses; as the new regulator is deployed, the market will be transferred to a national system with uniform requirements for advertising, payments and RG.

6) Offline: small halls, arcades and private clubs

FEC/AGC and seasonal arcades: family centers - no money gambling content; 18 + halls - with limited outdoor communication and strict age control.

Private members" clubs: access by membership/ID, moderate marketing, internal regulations; as reform proceeds - translation into transparent licenses and uniform standards.

7) Lotteries and "small draws"

Allowed for special permit/license, mainly for socially useful purposes.

Limits on the cost of tickets and prize funds, mandatory rules of conduct and reporting.

The state National Lottery operates under a separate law and does not fall under part of the restrictions that apply to commercial operators.

8) Practical effects for the mass market

A higher "entry threshold" into the funnel: due to KYC, disclaimers, advertising restrictions and banning credit cards, the time to the first bet increases, and the conversion depends on the quality of onboarding and the honesty of UX.

Shifting focus to retention rather than "aggressive acquisition": long-term loyalty is built on quick payments, understandable bonuses and reliable support.

Increased data requirements: Operators need end-to-end risk analytics, logging, and willingness to justify limit/inspection decisions.

9) What changes the launch of the new regulator (GRAI)

Unified license and registries for online/offline, tougher enforcement for advertising and cross-border operations.

National Register of Self-Exclusion with Offline Integration Perspective.

Unification of payment policy: the final consolidation of the ban on credit cards, clear standards for checking the source of funds and refunds.

Digitized oversight: regular reporting, RG/AML process auditing, product and creative transparency requirements.

10) Operator's checklist for "mass" compliance

1. Onboarding: fast KYC with minimal friction but full 18 + and address verification.

2. Payments: debit/bank rails, SLA instant payments; ETA visualization on the interface.

3. Advert: 18 + only, no youth-appeal; clear T & Cs on one scroll; control of affiliates.

4. RG-UX: limits/timeouts/self-exclusion in a prominent place; session timers and soft brake lights.

5. Product: RTP/odds publishing (where applicable), no manipulative animation and no misleading effects.

6. Data and compliance: decision logs, case management for SoF/affordability, readiness for verification of complaints and quick settlement of disputes.

Bottom line. The Irish "mass" market is built around the principle of responsible-by-design: strict filtering of the 18 + audience, banning credit cards, targeted and honest advertising, transparent payments and strong self-control tools. As GRAI launches, the rules will become uniform across channels and products: less aggression in promos - more trust, predictability and long-term player loyalty.