How Long Does GRAI Self-Exclusion Last? National Gambling Exclusion Register Explained

The National Gambling Exclusion Register (NGER) is one of the most significant protections introduced by the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. For the first time, Irish residents can self-exclude from all GRAI-licensed operators with a single application — not site by site, but everywhere at once. This page explains how long self-exclusion lasts, what it covers, and how the process works.

Minimum Self-Exclusion Period: Six Months

Under GRAI rules, the minimum self-exclusion period is six months. This cannot be shortened — if you choose six-month exclusion, you cannot re-activate your accounts or be removed from the NGER until that period has fully elapsed. This minimum period is deliberate: it reflects research showing that short self-exclusion periods (such as 24 or 48 hours offered by some offshore sites) are largely ineffective at addressing problem gambling behaviour.

Beyond the six-month minimum, customers can choose longer periods — typically one year, two years, five years, or indefinite exclusion. Indefinite exclusion is intended for people who want permanent protection and is not automatically reversible. Coming off indefinite exclusion requires a more involved process and is designed to include consultation with a support service.

What the NGER Covers

The National Gambling Exclusion Register covers every operator holding a GRAI licence. As of November 2026, this includes approximately 39 remote betting licence holders. When you are added to the NGER:

• All GRAI-licensed operators are notified.
• Existing accounts at those operators must be suspended or closed.
• New account applications from your identity must be rejected.
• Deposits made after the exclusion starts (if somehow processed) must be refunded.
• Operators cannot market to you while you are excluded.

The register covers both betting and gaming activities, so when casino licences are issued in future (expected 2027–2028), NGER exclusions will apply to those operators automatically.

What the NGER Does Not Cover

The NGER only covers GRAI-licensed operators. It does not extend to:

• Unlicensed offshore sites — sites operating without an Irish licence are not bound by GRAI rules and are not part of the NGER system.
• Retail betting shops — until in-person licences are operational (expected from December 2026), traditional bookmaker shops are not yet part of the NGER system in the same way.
• Social gambling or free-to-play games — apps that use virtual currency rather than real money are outside GRAI's jurisdiction.

This is an important limitation. If you self-exclude via the NGER but then bet on an unlicensed offshore site, those sites will not know about your exclusion. See our page on risks of unlicensed betting sites for why this matters.

How to Apply for NGER Self-Exclusion

The application process is managed through GRAI (grai.ie) and requires identity verification to ensure the register is accurate and cannot be circumvented by people creating accounts in false names. The steps are:

1. Visit grai.ie and navigate to the National Gambling Exclusion Register section.
2. Provide identity verification documents (such as a passport or driving licence).
3. Choose your exclusion period (minimum six months).
4. Submit your application.
5. Receive confirmation and await notification that licensed operators have been informed.

Operators are required to process NGER notifications promptly and cannot delay closing accounts. If an operator fails to close your account after NGER notification, this is a reportable breach and can be escalated to GRAI.

Coming Off the NGER After Your Period Ends

Critically, self-exclusion via the NGER does not expire automatically. When your chosen period ends, you will not automatically be re-registered as an eligible customer. You must actively apply to be removed from the register. This "opt-out of exclusion" design is deliberate — it prevents people from inadvertently resuming gambling because a period elapsed unnoticed.

GRAI recommends completing the removal process with the support of a gambling counselling service. The Gambling Awareness Trust (1800 753 753) can assist with this. There is typically a reflection period built into the removal process to ensure the decision is not impulsive.

Comparison with Previous Self-Exclusion Options

Before the NGER, self-exclusion in Ireland meant excluding from one site at a time. If you self-excluded from one bookmaker, you could simply sign up to another. The NGER fundamentally changed this by creating a single national system. Ireland joins a small number of countries (including Sweden and Germany) that have implemented effective national gambling exclusion registers covering multiple operators.

The UKGC equivalent (GAMSTOP) is voluntary for operators. Ireland's NGER is mandatory for all GRAI-licensed operators — a stricter model.

For the full picture: GRAI licence explained — Ireland's gambling regulator guide.

Frequently Asked Questions