British Gambling Commission to collaborate with new Irish gambling regulator
Gambling Commission CEO Andrew Rhodes and GRAI CEO Anne Marie Caulfied met this week.
Ireland.- The British Gambling Commission (UKGC) and the new Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) pledging close cooperation on regulatory issues. The agreement was signed as Gambling Commission CEO Andrew Rhodes met with GRAI CEO Anne Marie Caulfied in Dublin.
The MoU sets out a framework and principles for cooperation between the two regulators. This could include sharing information to help each carry out regulatory responsibilities effectively. The regulators noted that the two jurisdictions have some of the same licensed operators and similar gambling practices among customers.
Caulfield said: “This MoU with the UK Gambling Commission is an important step in formalising the working relationship between the two regulators and I would like to thank Andrew Rhodes, and a number of his colleagues across the various areas of the Commission for their advice and support over the past number of months.”
She added: “Open dialogue and close cooperation between both jurisdictions is paramount, and I greatly look forward to continuing this close cooperation for the years to come.”
Irish gambling regulator sounds out interest in licences
The GRAI formally began its supervisory duties on March 5 following its creation under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, which was approved in October and which replaces the Betting Act of 1931. A seven-member board is chaired by Paul Quinn, the former CEO of the Irish Procurement Office.
Last week, the regulator invited operators and suppliers to register their interest if they are considering applying for a new Irish gambling licence. It hopes to open a licensing portal and application window by the end of the year.
Licences will be available for B2C operators, B2B suppliers and charities that want to offer gambling products to raise funds. Within the first category, operators can express interest in applying for licences for remote betting, gaming or lottery, in-person betting or as a remote betting intermediary.
Meanwhile, gambling service licences would cover areas such as online hosting, software or equipment maintenance, risk management and odds provision. B2B licences will be available for gaming machine suppliers.
