Ireland’s gambling regulator to create industry panel amid transparency push

Industry involvement central to regulatory rollout

Speaking to iGB, Caulfield confirmed that GRAI will form a dedicated panel to consult with gambling operators. The panel aims to give industry participants a structured voice during the development of rules and standards.

“It is our intention to involve the industry, making them aware of where we’re coming from and the measures that are to be introduced,” Caulfield said.

The regulator plans to run both public and industry consultations as it rolls out new measures over the coming years. Caulfield noted that GRAI has already held meetings with major operators and smaller gambling businesses over the past two years.

GRAI confirms additional stakeholder groups

The industry panel is one of several advisory groups GRAI intends to establish. Another key initiative is a “lived experience panel”—a group designed to highlight the experiences of individuals harmed by gambling. The regulator believes that involving multiple stakeholder perspectives will improve policy outcomes.

With broad responsibilities under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, GRAI is preparing to manage a wide range of policy areas, including licensing, compliance, harm prevention, and market monitoring. The national lottery will remain outside its remit.

Industry raises concerns over regulator’s experience

Some in the gambling sector have voiced concern about the regulator’s capacity to understand the industry’s technical and operational context.

None of the seven newly appointed GRAI staff members have a background in gambling. The team includes professionals from addiction services, government procurement, and media regulation.

Local gambling lawyer Carlo Salizzo told iGB that some stakeholders believe the regulator will need education from within the industry to design workable rules—particularly in the gaming segment.

“Stakeholders I’ve spoken to are concerned that they are going to have to educate the regulator on how the industry works, in particular in the gaming sector,” Salizzo said.

Regulator draws a firm line on lobbying

Despite criticism, GRAI says it will enforce Ireland’s strict lobbying laws. Caulfield made it clear that the regulator will not entertain informal influence from the industry.

“We have a lobbying register in Ireland and if companies do approach us, I’m one of the designated officials in that legislation. They’re legally obliged to register that they have approached me with a view to getting something changed,” she said.

The Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 requires all lobbying activity aimed at designated officials to be recorded and publicly disclosed. Failure to comply can lead to sanctions and fines.

“From our perspective, the legislation is there now, and we’re going to implement it strongly and robustly,” Caulfield added.

Ireland’s Gambling Regulatory Authority came into legal force on 5 March 2024 and will play a central role in shaping the country’s new gambling landscape over the coming years.

Source: iGB