Reading Time: 2 minutes
Advertising Standards Authority has partnered up with Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland to streamline complaints regarding gambling advertising. Once established, the GRAI will be responsible for licensing and regulating gambling services in Ireland.
GRAI now informs consumers that they can complain about gambling advertisements to the Advertising Standards Authority.
In the new partnership, ASA will collaborate with GRAI to triage complaints about marketing communications in Ireland. The GRAI will now deal with complaints relating to entities that hold a license with the organization, while the Advertising Standards Authority handles other complaints.
This partnership is a continuation of the collaboration between ASA, the Irish Film Classification Office and other media outlets to streamline the complaints processes for advertising and promotions in cinemas.
ASA also signed a Cooperation Agreement (CA) with Coimisiun na Mean (the statutory body in charge of online safety and media regulations), to create a framework for cooperation on common interests regarding advertising and commercial marketing communication. These initiatives reinforce the organization’s leadership position in the Irish advertising industry, and foster confidence and trust in standards of advertising.
The partnership between ASA & GRAI strengthens both organisations’ commitment to ensuring gambling advertising content adheres with the high standards set by the Advertising Standards Authority Code.
“We are pleased to partner with GRAI. This new organisation will help protect the public against problem gambling and in particular, prevent children from accessing services or places where gambling activities are available. Advertising Standards Authority’s goal is to make sure that all advertisements are truthful, legal, and honest. This partnership underlines our shared commitment to protect consumers. By joining forces, we’ll continue to ensure that the public has easy access to information about responsible gambling advertising.
The GRAI will, once it is established, protect the public, by promoting a transparent gambling sector, which operates in accordance with Irish laws, and specifically the Gambling Regulation Act of 2024. This Act imposes a number restrictions on licenses, including those relating to advertising and social media. The act will also raise awareness about problem gambling, and set up safeguards for its treatment. As the GRAI begins to exercise its powers, we will work with the Advertising Standards Authority in order to respond quickly and effectively to any public concerns about gambling advertising and the surrounding areas, according the Advertising Standard Authority code. “Our partnership reinforces our commitment in protecting the public and ensuring they are informed and safe by maintaining the highest standards of advertising communications”, said Anne-Marie Caulfield. CEO Designate at GRAI.
