If gambling is becoming a problem or you simply want to take a break, Ireland now has stronger self-exclusion tools than ever before. The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 created the National Gambling Exclusion Register (NGEI) — a single national system that blocks you from all licensed operators at once. This guide explains how the NGEI works, what options are available right now, and what to do if you need help.
The NGEI: Ireland's National Self-Exclusion Register
The National Gambling Exclusion Register (NGEI) is provided for under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 and overseen by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). It is Ireland's equivalent of the UK's GAMSTOP system: instead of self-excluding from each bookmaker or casino separately, you register once and are blocked from all GRAI-licensed operators simultaneously.
Before this reform, Ireland had no centralised exclusion register at all. Players had to contact each operator individually, with no consistency. The NGEI closes that gap.
How the NGEI Works
Based on the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 and GRAI's published strategy:
- Apply once centrally — submit a self-exclusion through the official GRAI process, not through each operator individually
- Blocks all licensed operators — every GRAI-licensed remote betting and gaming operator must honour the exclusion
- Marketing blocked — operators cannot send promotional material to a registered person
- Data restriction — operators cannot use your data for marketing during exclusion
- Choose a duration — options expected to range from months to permanent
- No workarounds — the legal obligation falls on operators
Your Self-Exclusion Options Right Now
1. Contact each operator directly
Every GRAI-licensed bookmaker must provide self-exclusion. Go to the responsible gambling section of your account or contact customer support. Immediate, but only covers that one operator.
2. GAMSTOP (for UK-licensed sites)
If you use bookmakers with a UK Gambling Commission licence, GAMSTOP blocks you from all UKGC-licensed operators at once. Note: from 1 July 2026, operators serving Irish customers require a GRAI licence — many GRAI-licensed bookmakers do not hold a UKGC licence, so GAMSTOP does not cover the full Irish market.
3. Gambling Awareness Trust helpline
Freephone 1800 753 753 (available daily). Advisers can help you self-exclude and connect you with treatment services. gamblingcare.ie
NGEI vs GAMSTOP vs Spelpaus
| Feature | NGEI (Ireland) | GAMSTOP (UK) | Spelpaus (Sweden) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope | All GRAI-licensed operators | All UKGC-licensed operators | All Spelinspektionen-licensed operators |
| Apply once? | Yes (when live) | Yes | Yes |
| Marketing blocked? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Legal obligation? | Yes (Act 2024) | Yes (Act 2005) | Yes |
| Status | Being rolled out 2026 | Live since 2020 | Live |
Deposit Limits and Cooling-Off Tools
Every GRAI-licensed operator must offer: deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly); reality checks; session time limits; and cool-off periods. These can usually be set in account settings immediately.
If You Need Help Now
- Gambling Awareness Trust: 1800 753 753 (freephone, daily) | gamblingcare.ie
- Samaritans Ireland: 116 123 (24/7)
- GRAI: grai.ie
You do not need to be in crisis to call. These services are free and confidential.
Frequently Asked Questions
The NGEI (National Gambling Exclusion Register) is provided for under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 and overseen by the GRAI. It lets you self-exclude from all GRAI-licensed operators in one action.
The NGEI is rolling out under GRAI's phased regime, which began 1 July 2026. Check grai.ie for the current launch status.
GAMSTOP covers UK Gambling Commission licensed operators. From 1 July 2026, Irish-facing operators require a GRAI licence. Many GRAI-licensed bookmakers do not hold a UKGC licence, so GAMSTOP will not block them. The NGEI is the Irish equivalent.
Go to the responsible gambling or account settings section of your bookmaker account and request self-exclusion, or contact customer support directly. Every GRAI-licensed operator must provide this. It is immediate but only covers that one brand.
Contact the Gambling Awareness Trust: 1800 753 753 (freephone, available daily). gamblingcare.ie. Free, confidential, no need to be in crisis.