1. Regulatory Framework
Fitzpatrick’s Casino operates within the Irish regulatory framework established by the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is the statutory body responsible for licensing, supervision, and enforcement of gambling regulation in Ireland, including consumer protection and safer gambling standards.
The Act is guided by three core principles:
- Gambling must be fair and safe.
- Safety measures must address problem gambling.
- Gambling must not be used to support or facilitate criminal activity.
GRAI holds enforcement powers that include licence suspension or revocation, financial penalties of up to €20 million or 10% of annual turnover, and referral for criminal prosecution in cases of serious breach. Fitzpatrick’s Casino is required to comply with all applicable licence conditions and regulatory guidance issued by GRAI.
All persons using the services of Fitzpatrick’s Casino are required to read and understand this policy. By accessing gambling activities at Fitzpatrick’s Casino, you confirm that you are aged 18 or over, that you are acting on your own behalf, and that you accept the obligations described in this document.
2. Minimum Age Requirement
The minimum legal age to participate in any gambling activity in Ireland is 18 years. Fitzpatrick’s Casino prohibits access to gambling services by any person under this age.
Age verification procedures are applied before permitting any individual to participate in gambling activities. Failure to provide satisfactory proof of age results in access being refused. Any account or participation found to involve an underage individual is closed immediately, and any funds held are handled in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Employees of Fitzpatrick’s Casino are prohibited from being employed in roles that involve direct participation in gambling activities if they are under 18 years of age.
3. Player Protection Tools
Fitzpatrick’s Casino provides a series of tools to help players manage their gambling activity. These tools are available on request and, where applicable, through account settings.
3.1 Deposit and Loss Limits
Players may set limits on the amount they deposit or lose within a defined period. Once a limit is set, it takes effect immediately. Requests to increase a limit are subject to a cooling-off period before the increase is applied. Requests to reduce a limit take effect without delay.
3.2 Session Reminders and Time-Outs
Players may configure session reminders that notify them of the time elapsed during a gambling session. Time-outs allow a player to suspend access to gambling for a defined short-term period. During a time-out, the account remains open but gambling activity is not permitted.
3.3 Self-Exclusion
Players who wish to stop gambling for a longer period may request self-exclusion through the customer support team. Upon confirmation, access to gambling is suspended for the agreed period. Self-exclusion periods are not reversible before the agreed end date.
Ireland is establishing a National Gambling Exclusion Register under GRAI, which will allow individuals to self-exclude from all licensed operators in a single step. Fitzpatrick’s Casino will participate in this register in accordance with regulatory requirements as it becomes operational.
3.4 Account Closure
Players may request permanent closure of their account at any time. Requests submitted on the basis of problem gambling are treated as self-exclusion requests and processed accordingly.
4. Responsible Gaming Guidelines for Players
The following guidelines are provided to support safe participation in gambling activities:
- Gambling is a form of entertainment. It is not a method of generating income or resolving financial difficulties.
- Only gamble with money you can afford to lose. Do not use funds allocated to essential expenses.
- Set a budget before you begin and stop when that budget is reached.
- Do not attempt to recover losses by continuing to gamble.
- Do not gamble when under the influence of alcohol or when experiencing emotional distress.
- Keep track of the time and money you spend on gambling.
- Take regular breaks during any gambling session.
- Use the tools described in Section 3 to maintain control of your activity.
5. Credit and Payment Restrictions
In accordance with the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, Fitzpatrick’s Casino does not accept credit cards or electronic payment methods funded by credit as a means of payment for gambling. The offer of credit facilities to players is prohibited. These restrictions are in place as a harm-minimisation measure and are not subject to exception.
6. Advertising and Inducement Standards
Fitzpatrick’s Casino complies with the advertising restrictions applicable to gambling operators in Ireland. These include restrictions on gambling advertising during specified broadcast hours and prohibitions on gambling advertising via social media channels.
Inducements, including VIP programmes, free bets, and free credit, are restricted or prohibited under Irish gambling regulation. Fitzpatrick’s Casino does not offer inducements that conflict with applicable regulatory requirements.
7. Monitoring and Intervention
Fitzpatrick’s Casino monitors player activity for indicators of gambling-related harm. Where patterns of behaviour suggest that a player may be experiencing difficulty, the company may take steps including direct contact with the player, imposition of temporary limits, or suspension of access pending review.
Players are encouraged to contact the customer support team if they believe their gambling is becoming problematic. Early contact allows the application of appropriate tools and the provision of referrals to support services without delay.
8. Support Organisations
If you are concerned about your gambling or the gambling of someone you know, the following organisations provide independent support in Ireland.
- Problem Gambling Ireland: 089 241 5401 or 089 415 8557
- Gamblers Anonymous Ireland: gamblersanonymous.ie
- National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1800 200 400
- Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland: [email protected]
9. Complaints and Regulatory Contact
Players who have a complaint regarding responsible gaming procedures at Fitzpatrick’s Casino should contact the customer support team in the first instance. If a complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction, you may refer the matter to the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland. GRAI’s contact details and complaint procedures are available at grai.ie.
10. Policy Review
This policy is reviewed on a regular basis and updated to reflect changes in Irish gambling law, GRAI guidance, and operational practice. The current version of this policy is the version published on this page. Players are responsible for reviewing the policy periodically.