Irish regulator supports national student gambling survey

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has announced its involvement in the 2025 National Student Survey, a wide-ranging study designed to better understand gambling behaviours, drug use, and mental health challenges among university students. The collaboration underscores the regulator’s growing role in shaping safer gambling practices across Ireland, while also highlighting the increasing attention being paid to student welfare.

A joint effort to examine student life challenges

The survey is formally conducted by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI), which represents thousands of students nationwide. Working in partnership with Ulster University’s School of Biomedical Sciences, the study has been further supported this year by the active participation of the GRAI. This marks one of the first instances in which the newly established regulator has contributed directly to academic-led research in Ireland.

The 2025 survey is not limited to gambling alone. It also investigates wider lifestyle issues, such as the prevalence of recreational drug use and the state of mental health within the student population. By addressing these overlapping themes, the survey aims to provide a more holistic picture of challenges faced by young adults in higher education.

Encouraging participation through accessibility

To ensure broad engagement, the GRAI has encouraged students to participate by promoting the survey link through its official website. The questionnaire is designed to take approximately 15 minutes to complete, and all responses remain anonymous. Participants are also offered the option of entering a prize draw as an incentive, though participation in the draw is entirely voluntary.

Confidentiality is a central component of the initiative. The assurance of anonymity is intended to remove barriers that might discourage honest participation. By protecting student identities, the organisers hope to secure accurate and representative data that will ultimately guide both policy and institutional responses.

The GRAI’s evolving role in regulation

The GRAI has been increasingly visible in recent months, as the authority expands its regulatory reach and builds international partnerships. Earlier this year, the regulator relocated its offices in the second quarter, an operational move that coincided with an expansion of its external collaborations.

In May, the GRAI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Belgian Gaming Commission. This agreement was designed to strengthen cooperation between the two regulators, particularly in areas such as cross-border enforcement and the exchange of best practices.

More recently, the GRAI signed a similar MoU with Gibraltar, further highlighting the authority’s commitment to developing international partnerships. These agreements reflect an understanding that gambling regulation is increasingly global in scope, requiring cooperation that extends beyond national borders.

Legislative changes aimed at harm reduction

Ireland has also introduced new legislation intended to provide individuals with greater control over their gambling habits. One of the most notable changes announced this year is a measure that allows players to block their bank cards from being used on gambling websites.

This form of self-exclusion is considered a significant step forward in consumer protection. By enabling players to prevent transactions at the financial level, the legislation provides an additional safeguard for those who may be at risk of gambling-related harm.

Such measures align with broader European efforts to reduce gambling harm by introducing tools that empower individuals to set limits and make more informed choices.

Growing calls for action on gambling-related harm

The survey and legislative changes are being launched against a backdrop of increasing concern about gambling harm in Ireland. Earlier this month, more than 200 stakeholders from across the Irish gambling sector called for additional measures to address the issue. Their calls followed the publication of a report which revealed that 80% of surveyed participants had experienced financial difficulties connected to gambling.

While this figure does not apply specifically to students, it underscores a wider pattern of risk within the Irish population. The involvement of the GRAI in the National Student Survey is therefore viewed by many as a timely step in ensuring that the perspectives of younger demographics are included in national policy discussions.

The importance of student-focused research

Student life is often characterised by financial pressure, social experimentation, and high levels of academic stress. Research consistently shows that these factors can make students more vulnerable to both substance misuse and gambling-related challenges.

By focusing explicitly on the student population, the survey aims to highlight the ways in which gambling behaviours intersect with mental health and lifestyle pressures. This data may be particularly valuable in designing targeted prevention and support measures within universities and colleges.

Academic partnership with Ulster University

The involvement of Ulster University’s School of Biomedical Sciences adds further academic weight to the project. The school has a track record of research in health-related disciplines and is expected to play a key role in analysing the collected data.

Collaboration between the USI, GRAI, and Ulster University demonstrates a growing recognition that gambling cannot be examined in isolation. Instead, it must be studied in relation to broader health and social factors that influence behaviour among young adults.

A wider European context

Ireland’s initiatives come at a time when gambling regulation is being re-examined across Europe. Regulators in several jurisdictions are under increasing pressure to address the public health consequences of gambling, particularly with regard to younger and more vulnerable groups.

Cross-border cooperation, such as the GRAI’s partnerships with Belgium and Gibraltar, may allow regulators to develop shared approaches to common challenges. For instance, the exchange of data on self-exclusion measures or advertising standards could result in more effective harm-reduction strategies.

Looking ahead

The findings of the National Student Survey are expected to provide policymakers, regulators, and universities with valuable insights later this year. These results may guide the development of new educational campaigns, support services, and regulatory measures designed to protect students.

For the GRAI, the survey represents both an opportunity and a responsibility. As a relatively new regulatory body, its involvement in student-focused research reflects its intention to establish itself as a proactive and collaborative authority. For students, the survey offers a platform to share their experiences, ensuring their voices are heard in ongoing debates about gambling, drugs, and mental health.

Conclusion

The National Student Survey represents a pivotal step in addressing the complex relationship between gambling, mental health, and substance use among university students in Ireland. With the support of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, alongside the Union of Students in Ireland and Ulster University, the initiative has the potential to generate meaningful insights that will guide policy and strengthen protections for young adults.

By combining academic research with regulatory oversight, the survey underscores a shift towards evidence-based policymaking in the gambling sector. It also reflects a broader societal commitment to safeguarding students, who often face unique pressures that may contribute to risk-taking behaviours.

As Ireland continues to introduce new legislative safeguards and build international partnerships, the findings from this study could play an essential role in shaping future interventions. Ultimately, the survey offers not only a deeper understanding of student life but also a foundation for creating safer, healthier environments across the country’s higher education institutions.

FAQs

What is the National Student Survey in Ireland?
The National Student Survey is an annual research project organised by the Union of Students in Ireland, focusing on issues such as gambling, drugs, and mental health.

Who is conducting the 2025 survey?
The survey is conducted by the Union of Students in Ireland in partnership with Ulster University’s School of Biomedical Sciences and supported by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland.

Why is the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland involved?
The GRAI is supporting the project as part of its commitment to studying gambling behaviours and ensuring that regulatory policies are informed by reliable research.

How long does it take to complete the survey?
The survey is designed to take approximately 15 minutes, making it accessible to students with busy schedules.

Are student responses anonymous?
Yes, all submissions remain anonymous, ensuring confidentiality and encouraging honest participation.

Is there an incentive for students to participate?
Students have the option to enter a prize draw once they complete the survey, though this is voluntary and separate from the main study.

What issues does the survey cover?
The 2025 edition investigates gambling behaviours, drug use, and mental health, providing a holistic view of student challenges.

How does the survey benefit students?
By sharing their experiences, students contribute to data that may shape university policies, government decisions, and new support services.

What legislative changes were recently introduced in Ireland?
Ireland has passed new rules allowing individuals to block their bank cards from gambling websites as a form of self-exclusion.

When will the survey results be available?
The results are expected later in 2025 and will inform future initiatives on student welfare and gambling regulation.