Help
Responsible gambling
For free help with gambling problems in Ireland, call the Gambling Awareness Trust helpline on 1800 936 725, open 24/7, or visit gamblingcare.ie. The list below comes from the GRAI Get Help page. You must be 18 or over to gamble. Tools that limit betting today are operator limits, time-outs, bank blocks, BetBlocker and GamBan.
Editorial team · checked
Helplines
| Service | Number | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Gambling Awareness Trust (national line) | 1800 936 725 · gamblingcare.ie | 24/7 |
| Extern Problem Gambling | 089 241 5401 · problemgambling.ie | Not checked |
| Gamblers Anonymous Ireland (Dublin) | 01 872 1133 · gamblersanonymous.ie | Not checked |
| Family Addiction Support Network | 042 935 5251 | 24 hours |
| Samaritans | 116 123 | Not checked |
| MABS | 0818 07 2000 | Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 20:00 |
| HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline | 1800 459 459 | Monday to Friday, 9:30 to 17:30 |
Gambling can be addictive – play responsibly. Set limits, take breaks and never bet more than you can afford to lose. The full list is on the GRAI Get Help page.
In short: Free 24/7 support: 1800 936 725 · gamblingcare.ie
Signs to take seriously
- You bet more money or time than you planned.
- You bet to win back losses.
- You hide bets or borrow money to bet.
- Betting affects work, sleep or relationships.
Any one of these is a reason to call a helpline. The call is free and you do not have to give a name.
In short: one sign is enough to ask for a conversation.
Tools that limit your betting
- Deposit limits: the law requires licensees to let you set a money limit (s.164). See setting a deposit limit and the limit planner.
- Time-out and self-exclusion with the operator. See the steps in the app.
- Bank blocks: AIB, Bank of Ireland, EBS, PTSB and Revolut are listed by GRAI. See switching one on.
- BetBlocker and GamBan, listed on the GRAI Protection Tools page.
- Phone controls: Screen Time on iPhone and restrictions on Android.
Each bank's own page sets how its block works. See the bank blocks table.
In short: five tools exist today; you can combine them.
National exclusion register: planned, not in force
The National Gambling Exclusion Register (ss.44–49 of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024) was "Not yet commenced" on the Statute Book table updated to 21 October 2026.
Until it starts, exclusion means the operator's own tool, a bank block, BetBlocker or GamBan. See the commencement note.
In short: the register is planned; do not rely on it yet.
Age and what operators must offer
- 18+: children under 18 cannot take part (s.158). Age and identity are checked before an account opens (s.169). Both are in force since 5 February 2026.
- Account view: operators must show wins, losses and time spent on the account (s.173(4)).
- Closure: an account closes on written request, or after 13 months without play (s.171).
- Parental control: a link to parental controls is required on the operator's home page (s.174).
- Credit cards: banned for betting payments (s.165).
In short: the law sets 18+ and gives you tools; the apps must offer them.
What GRAI and ESRI report
- GRAI estimates that about 130,000 adults experience harm from gambling. Source: GRAI Public page · checked 6 November 2026.
- An ESRI study reported by GRAI on 4 November 2026 found almost 4 in 10 people who opened an online account to bet moved on to casino games, slots or scratch cards.
- GRAI also cites ESRI for problem gambling in 1 in 30 adults.
Details are in our ESRI note.
In short: the figures are the regulator's, with dates; we add no estimates of our own.
Our role
We do not promote casino games, slots or poker. We publish no offers or bonus sums. This page gives facts and numbers, not advice on how much to bet.
18+ only. Gambling can be addictive – play responsibly. Set limits, take breaks and never bet more than you can afford to lose. Free 24/7 support: Gambling Awareness Trust helpline 1800 936 725 · gamblingcare.ie.
In short: if you are worried, call 1800 936 725 any time.
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