Ireland’s Gambling Regulator Looks to the UK for Partnership

This MoU outlines a framework for collaboration, covering aspects such as information sharing and enforcement efforts to responsible gambling promotion. The meeting that followed the signing allowed both regulators to exchange knowledge, align strategic goals, and explore how they can support each other as regulatory environments continue to evolve.

Ireland’s GRAI has only recently become operational, with CEO Anne-Marie Caulfield at the helm since 2022. Although the organisation is still small, currently comprising seven team members, it is actively working to build its capabilities. This new partnership with the UKGC provides GRAI with the opportunity to draw on the UK’s well-established experience in regulating the gambling industry.

But cooperation with the UK is just the beginning. GRAI intends to formalise similar arrangements with other European gambling bodies in the months ahead, aiming to create a stronger, more unified approach to oversight across borders.

Anne Marie Caulfield spoke about the agreement and its benefits:

‘This Memorandum of Understanding 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. Ireland and the UK share many of the same operators and gambling practices, so putting this agreement in place will enhance our ability to share information and discharge our respective regulatory responsibilities effectively.”

In parallel with these international efforts, GRAI is also launching two advisory groups to help shape domestic regulation. One of these is an industry panel, which will include gambling operators and other stakeholders to ensure that regulation is effective. The other will be a lived experience panel, offering insights from individuals affected by gambling harm to hear first-hand experiences.

Together, these moves suggest that Ireland is not just playing catch-up, but is positioning itself as a forward-thinking player in the future of gambling regulation and responsible gambling as well.