The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has continued its Memorandum of Understanding series in Europe with a new agreement being signed.
GRAI’s CEO, Anne Marie Caulfield, has signed an MoU with the Gibraltan Gambling Regulator’s Commissioner, Andrew Lynam, partnering the Irish authority with another European regulator.
Similar to the other MoUs the Irish regulator has signed recently, the agreement will put in place a cooperation framework between the two gambling authorities. Through a close working relationship, both organisations are expecting to enhance their respective duties and responsibilities.
“This Memorandum of Understanding, signed with the Gibraltan Gambling Commissioner Andrew Lynam, representing the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority, is a significant step in formalising the working relationship between regulators in Ireland and Gibraltar,” stated Caulfield.
“Given how many Gambling Operators are active in both jurisdictions, this Memorandum of Understanding will be the first step in cementing what will be a positive and mutually beneficial working relationship between both organisations. This is another important step in the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland’s series of MOUs with fellow regulators.
“We would also like to take the opportunity to welcome Andrew Lynam, CEO of the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority, to Dublin and to thank him and his team for their ongoing support and assistance to GRAI.”
Edging closer to first licensing phase
This is the third of a series of MoUs that GRAI intends to sign with gambling regulators in other jurisdictions, as Ireland moves closer to launching its first licensing phase.
The regulator already has agreements in place with the UK Gambling Commission and the Belgian Gaming Commission.
Earlier this month, GRAI published the results of its public consultation on the country’s proposed gambling licensing regulations, noting it will now consider a tiered licensing fee structure and a five-year licence.
The regulator stated within its evaluation that most of the responses, particularly from operators, either demonstrated “supportive or pragmatic views on the proposals, including constructive suggestions for enhancement, rather than fundamental objections”.
A standard procedural requirement for technical regulations, a formal notification of the regulations will now be sent by GRAI to the European Commission, member states, and the public under the Technical Regulation Information System to ensure regulatory coherence across the European Union.
The regulator will also engage further with stakeholders as the licensing framework is implemented, offering further guidance when required.
“Constructive dialogue remains central to our approach, and we welcome ongoing collaboration with all relevant parties, including industry participants, public health bodies, members of the public, civil society groups, and regulatory peers,” GRAI noted.
“The GRAI remains committed to transparent, proportionate and effective regulation of Ireland’s gambling industry.”
