GRAI advances regulatory preparedness with third international agreement ahead of licensing rollout
Strengthening Oversight Through International Collaboration
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner. Signed in Dublin by GRAI CEO Anne Marie Caulfield and Gibraltar Commissioner Andrew Lynam, the agreement creates a structured channel for cooperation and information sharing between two key European regulatory bodies.
The MoU is designed to enhance regulatory synergy in a globalised gambling industry where operators frequently hold multiple licences across jurisdictions. With several major gambling firms headquartered or operating in both Ireland and Gibraltar, the move ensures that oversight can be synchronised across national borders—particularly in areas such as compliance, enforcement, and responsible gambling practices.
Ireland’s Third MoU as Regulatory Launch Nears
This agreement is the third international MoU signed by the GRAI, with further partnerships planned in the months ahead. These bilateral frameworks are considered critical to preparing Ireland for its first licensing phase, which will usher in a new regulatory regime covering both land-based and online gambling operators.
Anne Marie Caulfield praised the collaboration, calling it a “significant step” and thanking Gibraltar’s regulator for its early support. The cooperation will facilitate data exchange, joint investigations, and shared best practices—factors essential in mitigating risks such as money laundering, match-fixing, and player exploitation.
Setting the Stage for a Safer Market
This development comes amid wider industry reforms in Ireland, including the Bank of Ireland’s introduction of a gambling block feature, allowing customers to voluntarily restrict gambling transactions directly from their accounts. Such initiatives reflect the growing emphasis on consumer protection and financial responsibility.
The GRAI has repeatedly stressed that international regulatory cooperation is key to building a robust and transparent market, especially as Ireland moves from a previously fragmented oversight model to a centralised regulatory authority.
A Broader Industry Implication
For operators, the MoU signals a shift toward greater scrutiny and harmonised enforcement in Europe’s gambling landscape. It also encourages licensed firms to proactively adopt internal standards that align with multi-jurisdictional expectations. As Ireland prepares for licensing, operators will be expected to comply not only with local laws but also with broader regulatory benchmarks set through such international cooperation.
The MoU with Gibraltar, a well-established hub for gambling operators, reinforces Ireland’s ambition to be seen as a modern, responsible, and credible jurisdiction for gambling regulation in Europe and beyond.
