Ireland introduces 1% social impact fund for betting sector

The Irish government is advancing plans to establish a mandatory Social Impact Fund for the betting sector. Licensed operators will transfer 1% of their annual turnover to the fund. The fund will be used to support gambling harm prevention, education and treatment programmes. The government has notified the European Commission of its intention.

The regulation is being carried out under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. The law aims to modernise Ireland's betting legislation. Before the reform, the sector was governed mainly by the Totalisator Act of 1929 and the Betting Act of 1931. Licensing was the responsibility of the Revenue Commissioners.

The contribution obligation will begin on 1 April 2027. Operators will pay 1% of the previous financial year's turnover to GRAI each year by 1 July, via bank transfer or electronic payment. For online betting, turnover is defined as the total amount paid to the operator for betting and gaming services.

The rate was jointly set by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and GRAI. Ireland is taking this step two years after the United Kingdom introduced a similar mandatory levy on 6 April 2025. The goal is to create a predictable source of funding without placing excessive pressure on the sector's commercial operations. GRAI was established in February 2025 and took over licensing authority from the Revenue Commissioners in June 2026. The government is also considering additional measures, such as a tax increase and advertising restrictions.