The Five Strategic Goals of the Regulator reflect the objectives given to her in the National Lottery Act 2013:
1. The National Lottery is run with all due propriety.
2. The interests of participants are protected.
3. The long-term sustainability of the National Lottery is safeguarded.
4. Good causes funds are as great as possible in a safe and well-regulated environment.
5. Governance of the Office of the Regulator achieves best in class.
The full range of actions that will be employed by the Regulator of the National Lottery to support each of our five strategic goals until 2027 are set out in this Strategy Statement.
Each action will be employed in a manner that takes account of the prevailing environment in which regulatory oversight of the National Lottery is being delivered.
Our focus in this strategy period, will be on leveraging new digital resources that can support the ORNL to be effective and efficient, in an appropriate and secure manner. This includes expanding the ORNL’s capacity to monitor the Operator’s online advertising and promotion through technology. We will continue to keep up to date on new lottery technologies and opportunities, while staying alert to emerging risks and new laws regarding digital services. We will deepen our engagement with lottery regulators in other jurisdictions to share and apply learnings in this space.
Innovations are welcome where they ensure continued public interest in playing National Lottery games without increasing risks to player welfare. The Regulator’s aim is that appropriate measures are in place to protect the National Lottery and players from unsuitable use of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, and from cyber-attacks. We will continue to hold the Operator to the “best in class” standard for responsible gaming practices, including through the use of mystery shopping exercises. The Regulator will also work towards ensuring that, as more players move towards playing the National Lottery online, local retailers continue to be supported in their pivotal role in the National Lottery’s future.
It is increasingly important that the general public is aware of how closely and rigorously the National Lottery is regulated. As the State moves to regulate the online gambling industry for the first time, with the forthcoming establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority in 2025, it is vital that National Lottery players and the general public are assured that the National Lottery has been strictly regulated for over a decade. The Regulator will therefore enhance communications with stakeholders and increase the visibility of the work of her Office through appropriate opportunities for engagement.
Maximising the funds raised for Good Causes from National Lottery sales means more projects, facilities, and activities will be available to the people of Ireland. As guardians of the valuable state asset that is the National Lottery, the ORNL team will continue to employ strong accounting and governance practices and always prioritise the interests of players and the National Lottery’s long-term reputation over short term financial gains.
Previous strategy statements are available here: