If a GRAI-licensed bookmaker discovers that a customer was under 18 when they opened an account, specific legal obligations are triggered. All bets must be voided, all deposits returned, and the account closed. Here is what happens in detail.
The Operator’s Legal Obligations
Under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, allowing underage gambling is a serious licence breach. When an operator discovers or is notified that a customer was underage when they opened an account, they must:
- Immediately close the account
- Void all bets placed during the period of underage use
- Return all deposits made to the original payment method
- Not retain any winnings generated during the underage period
- Report the breach to the GRAI as a compliance incident
How Operators Discover Underage Accounts
Most commonly: through ID verification revealing a date of birth showing the customer was under 18 at account creation. Sometimes through reports from parents or family members. Occasionally through GRAI audits. Under GRAI rules, operators must conduct KYC on all new accounts and must age-verify before any gambling activity is permitted.
What the Customer Receives
All deposits must be returned, regardless of whether they were used for bets. Winnings from bets are not returned — the bets are voided. For example, if a customer deposited €100, bet it all and won €500, the €100 deposit is returned but the €500 is not, because the bets were void.
Family Members or Guardians
If a parent or guardian discovers their child has opened a betting account, they should report it to the operator directly (and provide evidence of age). The operator’s compliance obligations then apply as above. Parents can also report ongoing concerns to the GRAI at grai.ie.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens When an Underage Betting Account Is Found
| Stage | What Happens | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Detection | Age verification failure or retrospective check | At registration or any time |
| Account suspension | Account frozen, bets void | Immediate |
| Deposits returned | Net deposits refunded (winnings forfeited) | 7–14 days typically |
| Verification request | ID documents required to unlock | Account stays frozen until verified |
| Permanent ban | If genuinely underage: account closed | Permanent |
GRAI Rules on Underage Accounts
- All GRAI-licensed bookmakers must verify age before allowing any deposit or bet
- Under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, allowing underage gambling is a criminal offence for the operator
- If winnings are voided due to underage use, only net deposits are returned – not winnings
- Bookmakers share data with Gambling Exclusion Register to prevent underage re-registration
What Happens If Underage Betting Is Discovered
| Party | Consequence |
|---|---|
| The minor | Account closed; all winnings void; balance may be retained or returned to deposit method |
| The operator (GRAI-licensed) | Potential GRAI investigation; fine under Gambling Regulation Act 2024 |
| The adult whose ID was used | Account review; potential ban from operator |
How Bookmakers Verify Age in Ireland
- All GRAI-licensed bookmakers must verify age before allowing any bets or deposits
- Methods: passport, driving licence, national ID card — uploaded during registration (KYC)
- Passive checks: name and date of birth against credit reference databases
- Enhanced verification triggered by withdrawal requests over a threshold
- If in doubt about age verification, contact the operator — it's not an optional step
18+ only. Gambling Awareness Trust: 1800 753 753 | gamblingcare.ie
The operator must void all bets, return all deposits, close the account, and report to the GRAI. This is a legal requirement under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024.
No — bets are voided, so winnings are not paid. Only deposits made are returned. The operator cannot keep the deposits either.
Report it to the operator immediately with proof of age. The operator must close the account, void all bets, and return all deposits. You can also report concerns to the GRAI at grai.ie.
Yes — allowing underage gambling is a serious licence breach. The GRAI can investigate and impose sanctions including fines and licence suspension.
18. This applies to all forms of gambling — online betting, casino, in-person shops, and lotteries — under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024.