Irish Regulator Conducts Survey To Estimate Interest In Licence

Ireland’s newly formed Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has initiated its first major industry engagement in anticipation of the future gambling legislation. The legislation will give statutory powers to the Authority, The Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 is currently in the process of being written. 

The GRAI is inviting all interested parties to express their interest in acquiring an Irish gambling licence by completing a survey. This effort aims to gauge the level of interest and readiness within the industry for this new regulatory framework.

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Industry Stakeholders Invited to Participate

Both national and international stakeholders in the Irish gambling sector are encouraged to register their interest by participating in the GRAI survey, as detailed on the Irish government’s official website. This initiative marks a significant step towards establishing a structured and transparent licensing process under the new regulatory body.

As the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) gears up to launch its new Licensing Application process, we are inviting all interested parties to register their interest in obtaining a licence in the Irish market. This preparatory step is crucial for ensuring a scalable, efficient, and effective rollout of the licensing system. The primary goals of this survey are to estimate demand and build communication channels. By participating in this survey, stakeholders will not only contribute to a smoother implementation of the new system but also stay abreast of key information and timelines related to the developments of the new licensing system.

Website Irish government

Whilst the GRAI has not yet been officially established, it has made “meaningful progress”. The Gambling Control Bill, which passed a government vote on May 1, 2024, is now awaiting approval from the Seanad (Ireland’s Senate) before it can be signed into law by the President of the European country. The expected timeline for these final approvals is within this year, after which the GRAI will assume full responsibility for licensing and regulation.

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Transition to New Licensing System

Under the reformed gambling law, the GRAI will take over the licensing responsibilities currently managed by the courts and tax commissioners. Existing licences will remain valid until their expiration dates, at which point new applications must be submitted to the GRAI. In addition to overseeing licence holders, the GRAI will also have the authority to take action against illegal online gambling operations, similar to the role of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

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Comprehensive Gambling Law Reform

Although not yet fully operational, the GRAI is led by CEO Anne Marie Caulfield, who was appointed two years ago. Caulfield brings a wealth of experience from her previous role at the Residential Tenancies Board, and she has been appointed to steer the GRAI towards effective governance and oversight of Ireland’s gambling industry.

Ireland’s journey to reform its gambling laws has been ongoing for several years. The initial draft of the new legislation was approved in November 2022, but the final version is still pending enactment. Key components of the new law include the establishment of the GRAI and the creation of a National Gambling Exclusion Register, which will allow individuals to self-exclude from legal online gambling platforms, akin to the Australian BetStop-register.

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Advertising Restrictions for Consumer Protection

The new gambling law will also introduce stringent advertising restrictions to safeguard vulnerable populations, particularly young people, from gambling-related harm. Specifically, gambling advertisements will be prohibited on television and radio between 5:30 AM and 9:00 PM once the law is in effect. As Ireland moves towards a more regulated and responsible gambling environment, the GRAI is set to play a pivotal role in ensuring that the industry operates within a framework that prioritises consumer protection and integrity.

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