Ireland’s Gambling Regulator Signs Landmark Agreement with UKGC

In a significant step toward international regulatory cooperation, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) hosted UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) CEO Andrew Rhodes in Dublin on April 2, 2025, for the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two bodies. This development marks a significant milestone for the new Irish regulator as it fully steps into its role.

The Two Regulators Will Battle Common Issues

This newly inked agreement establishes a framework for collaboration between the GRAI and UKGC, covering compliance, enforcement, information sharing, and mutual support in executing their respective mandates. The two regulatory bodies seek to enhance consumer protection and uphold the integrity of their gambling markets through improved relations.

The signing was followed by a bilateral meeting where high-level officials from the two regulatory bodies discussed key regulatory priorities. These included cross-border compliance matters, operator oversight, and emerging risks. GRAI CEO Anne Marie Caulfield noted that the agreement was vital in formalizing the working relationship between the two regulators and hoped to foster open dialogue and close cooperation.

“Ireland and the UK share many of the same operators and gambling practices, so putting this agreement in place will enhance our ability to share information and discharge our respective regulatory responsibilities effectively.”

Anne Marie Caulfield, GRAI CEO

Caulfield also thanked Rhodes and his team for their continued support as GRAI ramps up operations. The UKGC, with its worldwide reputation for regulatory and enforcement excellence, has served as an informal advisor in recent months, helping Ireland launch its independent gambling authority.

Ireland Remains Committed to Enhancing Consumer Protections

GRAI, formally established in March 2025, marks a transformative chapter in how Ireland approaches gambling regulation. Tasked with overseeing everything except the National Lottery, GRAI has powers to issue licenses, enforce rules, and implement measures to help reduce gambling harm. At the top of the authority’s agenda is the proposal for a National Gambling Exclusion Register and a Social Impact Fund.

Establishing this new authority aligns with the Irish government’s ambitions of safeguarding public health while preserving consumer choice. The country’s Department of Health has also pledged GRAI its ongoing support, promising lasting collaboration to help combat gambling harm in Irish communities and curb nationwide addiction rates.

GRAI’s agreement with the UKGC is the first of several international partnerships the authority plans to establish in the coming months. Similar memorandums with other European regulators are in the works as the Irish authority aims to foster a collaborative, data-driven approach to gambling regulation that can keep pace with a rapidly evolving industry.