Preventing Underage Gambling
Our Commitment
The Irish Bookmakers Association (IBA) is dedicated to ensuring that gambling is a safe and responsible activity, strictly reserved for individuals over the age of 18.
To protect young people from any risks associated with gambling, we have enforced comprehensive measures to prevent underage participation in both retail and online environments.
Our Approach
Our approach encompasses a wide range of proactive measures to prevent individuals under the age of 18 from gambling.
We ensure that our members adopt the best available practices and tools, including comprehensive staff training, strict age verification, and industry-leading codes of practice, all aimed at creating a safe and responsible gambling environment for adults, that prioritises the protection of young people.
Retail
Betting shops enforce a strict Think 21 policy – This means that they require identification from anyone appearing under the age of 21 to ensure they are over 18 years old, when they enter the shop.
All staff undergo comprehensive training to identify and prevent anyone under the age of 18 from entering the premises or getting a bet on.
Prominent age restriction signage is displayed in all retail locations, clearly communicating the legal gambling age. Regular mystery shopper audits are conducted to test and ensure compliance with age verification procedures. Any incidents related to underage gambling are logged and reviewed to continuously improve the prevention process.
Online
Preventing underage gambling is equally important online.
Our online members adhere to very strict requirements outlined in our Safer Gambling Code, which ensure electronic age verification during registration, with manual verification where no electronic method is available.
Withdrawals are restricted until the age verification process is completed. Comprehensive and ongoing staff training is also required.
18+ warnings are prominently displayed across all websites and mobile apps to reinforce the legal age for gambling.
There are many other measures outlined in our Safer Gambling Code, that each member must adhere to.
Advertising
All members, both online and retail, strictly follow our advertising and marketing guidelines.
Members must ensure that all marketing is responsible, avoiding portrayals of gambling as a solution to financial or personal problems.
Advertising and promotions must not target children (or sectors which are directly connected with children).
All ads must clearly display 18+ symbols and responsible gambling messages, with TV ads restricted before 9pm, except for certain events, and no ads during live sports under the whistle-to-whistle ban.
Sponsorships should avoid targeting minors, and social media ads must use age-restriction tools, regularly promoting safer gambling messages.
Gambling Addiction
What help is available for young people struggling with gambling?
Problem gambling or gambling addiction can be incredibly challenging to face, not only for the individual experiencing it, but also for their friends and loved ones who are affected by the consequences.
There is help available. The Gambling Awareness Trust offers a wide range of support services, providing access to confidential counselling, educational resources, and intervention programs. These services are free, and designed to help those struggling with gambling addiction and the people who care about them, ensuring that no one has to face this issue alone.
Report Underage gambling
How to report
We are committed to preventing underage gambling in both retail and online environments. If you suspect that underage gambling is occurring, we encourage you to report it immediately.
Your report helps us ensure the safety of young individuals and maintain the integrity of the gambling industry.
You can report any suspected underage gambling incidents by following any of the below steps:
Contact the Licensee: If you witness underage gambling at a specific location or website, contact the manager and request immediate action.
Report to the Irish Bookmakers Association (IBA): You can inform us here at the IBA, by contacting us at info@irishbookmakersassociation.com. We take all reports seriously and will act upon any information received as soon as practically possible.
Gambling Regulator: You can file a formal report with the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) by emailing GRAI@Justice.ie
Gardaí: You can file a formal report with An Garda Síochána, by contacting the local Garda station or Superintendent’s office.
Your involvement helps us protect young people and uphold strict age verification policies across the industry.
Download Section
To download a copy of our Safer Gambling Code, please click here.
To download a copy of our Think 21 campaign posters, please click here.
