Responsible Gambling — Help for Irish Players

By Sinéad Walsh·Updated 2026-05-10✓ Editorial review

Gambling can be addictive. If you feel you've lost control of your gambling — you are not alone, and free help is available across Ireland. This page covers Irish helplines, self-exclusion options at our top 10 operators, signs of problem gambling, and resources for affected family members.

Free help available 24/7 in Ireland

Self-imposed limits at our top 10 operators

Every casino on our top 10 supports player-imposed limits in the account settings:

• Deposit limit — daily/weekly/monthly maximum deposits
• Loss limit — maximum net loss per period
• Session limit — maximum continuous session duration
• Bet limit — maximum stake per spin/hand
• Time-out (self-pause) — temporary 24h-30 day suspension
• Self-exclusion — permanent block, 6 months to lifetime

Setting limits is immediate. Reducing limits is immediate. Increasing limits has a 24-72 hour cooling-off period (depending on operator).

Are you at risk?

Common signs of problem gambling:

• Spending more time and money than planned
• Trying to recover losses by gambling more
• Hiding gambling activity from family/friends
• Borrowing money to gamble or going into debt
• Neglecting work, family, or relationships because of gambling
• Feeling restless, anxious, or depressed when not gambling

If three or more of these apply, please contact Gambling Care Ireland for free, confidential support.

Help for family members

If a family member or friend has a gambling problem, you don't have to manage it alone. Gambling Care Ireland offers counselling specifically for affected family members. The first step is a free phone call to 1800 936 725 — anonymous, no commitment required.

Self-exclusion in Ireland

Each casino on our top 10 has its own self-exclusion register. Currently, Ireland does not have a national multi-operator self-exclusion register (similar to GAMSTOP in the UK or OASIS in Germany), but the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 (Irish Statute Book) includes provisions for one to be established.

Setting healthy boundaries

• Never gamble money you can't afford to lose
• Set a session and deposit budget before each session
• Don't chase losses
• Take regular breaks from gambling
• Don't gamble when emotional
• Don't drink alcohol or use substances while gambling
• Tell family/friends if you're concerned about your behaviour

Free online self-assessment

Take Gambling Care Ireland's free self-assessment to check if your gambling is controlled. The tool is anonymous and takes 5 minutes: Gambling Care Ireland self-assessment →

More guides for Irish players

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the Irish gambling addiction helpline?

Gambling Care Ireland — 1800 936 725 (24/7, free, anonymous).

Is there a national self-exclusion register in Ireland?

Not yet. Each casino has its own self-exclusion. The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 includes provisions for a national register; expected during GRAI's full rollout.

Can I self-exclude permanently?

Yes — every casino on our top 10 supports lifetime self-exclusion. Once activated, the operator is required to refuse your registrations indefinitely.

Is there free counselling for family members?

Yes — Gambling Care Ireland offers free counselling for both gamblers and family members.

What if I've already self-excluded but want to play again?

After the cooling-off period (e.g., 6 months), you can request re-instatement. The operator may still refuse if they believe re-instatement would harm you.