UK and Irish Gambling Regulators Sign Agreement to Boost Cross-Border Cooperation

The British Gambling Commission (UKGC) and the newly established Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing cooperation on regulatory matters. The agreement was finalized during a meeting in Dublin between UKGC Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes and GRAI CEO Anne Marie Caulfield.

The MoU outlines a set of principles and a framework that will guide collaboration between the two regulatory bodies. One of the key elements of the agreement is the exchange of information to support each authority in fulfilling its regulatory duties more effectively. Both regulators acknowledged the shared presence of licensed operators across their jurisdictions, as well as similar gambling behaviors among players in the UK and Ireland.

Commenting on the agreement, 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.”

The GRAI officially began its regulatory functions on March 5, following its establishment under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. This act, which received parliamentary approval in October, replaces the outdated Betting Act of 1931. The authority is overseen by a seven-member board chaired by Paul Quinn, the former Chief Executive of the Irish Procurement Office.

In a move signaling the next phase of its regulatory rollout, the GRAI has recently invited gambling operators and suppliers to express their interest in obtaining an Irish gambling licence. The regulator anticipates launching a licensing portal and accepting formal applications by the end of the year.

The forthcoming licensing regime will cover business-to-consumer (B2C) operators, business-to-business (B2B) suppliers, and charitable organizations that offer gambling products as a means of fundraising. Within the B2C category, companies can signal their intent to apply for licences covering remote betting, remote gaming, lotteries, in-person betting, or remote betting intermediation.

In addition, gambling service licences will be available for providers of technical and operational services such as online hosting, software or hardware maintenance, risk management solutions, and odds-making. B2B licences will also extend to companies that supply gaming machines.

By fLEXI tEAM