GRAI Gains Fresh Insights from ESRI Study on Irish Gambling Patterns

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has deepened its understanding of the country’s gambling landscape following a study conducted by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). The research, which surveyed 1,000 adult gamblers, provides a data-driven snapshot of player behaviour in the Irish market.

One of the key findings shows that more than half of online players—54%—maintain a second gambling account. This statistic highlights a tendency among users to spread their activity across multiple platforms, a pattern that regulators often monitor for signs of problem gambling or account misuse.

The ESRI study is among the most comprehensive recent analyses of Irish gambling habits. By drawing on a sample of 1,000 adults who gamble, it offers GRAI a clearer baseline for understanding how consumers interact with licensed operators and unlicensed sites.

For the GRAI, which is still in its early stages of full enforcement, these insights are expected to inform future policy decisions. The authority has been working to establish robust oversight mechanisms since its creation under the Gambling Regulation Act 2022.

Industry observers note that the prevalence of multiple accounts could complicate efforts to enforce self-exclusion schemes and spending limits. The GRAI may use the ESRI data to refine its approach to player protection and operator compliance.

No further details from the study have been released at this time, but the findings underscore the importance of evidence-based regulation as Ireland moves toward a more tightly controlled gambling environment.