Ireland’s Gambling Regulatory Authority Begins Operations
Ireland’s newly established gambling regulator, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), has officially begun operations.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The authority is responsible for enforcing and managing compliance with the country's recently passed Gambling Regulation Act 2024.
The GRAI is responsible for both retail and online gambling and has a focus on public safety. It will oversee licensing under the new system and regulate lotteries, with the exception of the national lottery.
The GRAI was created as part of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, which the Irish parliament approved on October 16, 2024. In its early development phase, the regulator sought candidates for key leadership roles, including a chairman, board members, and licensing experts to guide its operations.
Related: Ireland’s Gambling Authority Set to Launch in Phases Next Year
GRAI Assembles Experts in Regulation and Healthcare
As part of its official launch, GRAI announced the appointment of seven board members and Paul Quinn, the former CEO of Ireland’s government procurement office, has been chosen to lead the board.
Other key appointments include Celine Craig, a former media commissioner, and Rita Purcell, currently the deputy CEO for international and legal matters at the Health Products Regulatory Authority. Additionally, Dr Colin O’Driscoll, a senior psychologist and clinical lead for Ireland’s mid-west addiction services, has joined the team.
Anne-Marie Caulfield, who was appointed CEO in 2022 to oversee the regulator’s establishment, will continue in her leadership role.
Today marks a new era for the regulation of gambling in the Irish state. [The Gambling Act] is designed to meet the challenges of gambling responsibly in 21st-century Ireland, providing clarity for operators and consumers and taking a responsible approach to balancing the freedom to gamble with the safeguards to protect people from falling prey to addiction.
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Gambling Industry to finance GRAI
During the final parliamentary debates in October, lawmakers raised concerns about the regulator’s authority and its ability to exert control over the gambling industry.
However, James Browne, the bill’s rapporteur deputy, reassured parliament that GRAI would have real regulatory power and explained that the industry itself would finance its operations.
He said that it will not be “weak or ineffective” but rather “a robust regulator” that will oversee the industry. He added that it will be funded through industry levies so that there is no financial burden on taxpayers.
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