Response to Consultation Process and Update on Progression with TRIS Notification from the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI)The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) wishes to express its sincere thanks to all stakeholders who contributed to the recent public consultation process, concerning the proposed implementation of provisions of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 (Number 35 of 2024) (the “Act”) through two sets of regulations. The consultation was specifically in relation to Section 38 (Application Fees), Section 108 (Licence Durations), and Section 129 (Additional Licence Conditions) of the Act. The open consultation was held over a four-week period between April and May 2025, in keeping with the GRAI’s evidence-led, inclusive approach to our regulatory obligations. This engagement reflects our commitment to fostering a well-regulated, transparent, and socially responsible gambling environment in Ireland.The GRAI commissioned Governance Ireland, an external and independent governance consultancy firm, to undertake the collation, thematic analysis, and review of the submissions received during consultation,  Governance Ireland’s ‘Public Consultation Response Report’, presents a comprehensive review of the twenty-seven (27) formal submissions received. The submissions received were from a cross-section of stakeholder categories, including industry operators, representative bodies, consultants, public bodies, and civil society organisations. All submissions were weighted equally, and the submissions were factored into the key thematic areas defined by the consultation and referenced in the Report.Following careful consideration of the submissions received and Report from Governance Ireland, the GRAI notes that while constructive feedback was provided across the proposed provisions (application fees, licence durations, and additional licence conditions) the majority of submissions, particularly from industry operators, expressed either supportive or pragmatic views on the proposals, including constructive suggestions for enhancement, rather than fundamental objections. Where concerns were raised (notably around the application fee structure and licence duration), these often stemmed from misunderstandings or divergent interpretations of terms within the Act, such as “turnover”. The GRAI commits to address the misunderstanding of terms/definitions through guidance documents in the future. The GRAI will also ensure that the Regulations clarify the position in relation to premises fees, as these apply to all premises applying for a betting or gaming licence.A number of observations received highlighted that without having full oversight of the fee governance framework, such as renewal fees and charges, it was difficult to provide a comprehensive analysis of the application fee provision. The GRAI acknowledges this and will ensure that the relevant fee structures will be communicated in a timely and constructive manner. It should be highlighted that licence type remote gaming is not currently licensed within Ireland and therefore, direct comparisons of overall application fee costs may not be consistent. It is also noted that these fees are for a new, self-financing regulatory regime with enhanced oversight and longer licence terms than the existing excise licensing regime in Ireland.A number of observations on application fees and licence durations took a comparative approach to reviewing the fees against the fees of other jurisdictions and the UK in particular. The GRAI reviewed the observations and found that the fees are not directly comparable with the UK given the differences in Regulatory structure and responsibilities. Many of the regulatory obligations that will be part of the GRAI’s responsibilities are not part of the Gambling Commission’s remit in Great Britain and instead are part of the functions of the local councils. Market size variations, differences in taxation policies and sectors that are regulated by Regulators in other jurisdictions also mean that the cross-jurisdiction comparisons are not comparing like- for- like.The GRAI must balance the complexity of licensing arrangements and the ability to ensure that costs are recovered proportionately from licensees. Where a relevant gambling activity requires a licence, it is also important to ensure that the fees payable for that licence reflect the related regulatory costs that must be recovered from such licence holders, taking into account the size and complexity of an operator’s business in terms of the risks to the licensing objectives.With regards to licence duration, the Act specifies a minimum time frame of one year.  The GRAI is proposing that licences will be of three years duration.  Whilst the GRAI notes that the proposed three-year licence term was supported by three respondents, the GRAI acknowledges the theme of the responses in relation to the consideration of an extension of the licence term.  As such, the GRAI will commit to keeping the licence term under review as the licensing regulatory framework is established but are satisfied that three-years duration is an appropriate starting point.The GRAI reaffirms that the development of its licensing framework is grounded in robust evidence, public interest considerations, and the statutory obligations placed on the GRAI in the Act. Accordingly, the GRAI intends to proceed with the formal notification of the regulations to the European Commission, Member States, and the public under the Technical Regulation Information System (TRIS), in line with Directive (EU) 2015/1535. The TRIS notification is a standard procedural requirement for technical regulations, ensuring regulatory coherence across the European Union.The GRAI will continue to engage with stakeholders as we implement the licensing framework and where necessary, provide further guidance. Constructive dialogue remains central to our approach, and we welcome ongoing collaboration with all relevant parties, including industry participants, public health bodies, members of the public, civil society groups, and regulatory peers.The GRAI remains committed to transparent, proportionate and effective regulation of Ireland’s gambling industry.Full Report Available here: Full Report

As part of the process to put in place information sharing agreements with other regulatory bodies, CEO of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, Anne Marie Caulfield signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Magali Clavie of the Belgian Gaming Commission. This agreement establishes a framework for cooperation and sets out the broad principles of collaboration between the Gambling Regulator and the Belgian Gaming Commission. The shared aims of both regulators are to enable closer working relationships which will enhance each organisation's ability to discharge their respective duties and functions.The Belgian Commission have given their time generously in the set up phase of the GRAI and their support and advice has been greatly received. This is the second of a series of MOUs which the GRAI intends to put in place with other Gambling Regulators across the EU in the months ahead.On welcoming the agreement, CEO of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, Anne Marie Caulfield said:'This Memorandum of Understanding with the Belgian Gaming Commission is a significant step in formalising the working relationship between Irish and Belgian gambling regulators. I would like to thank Magali Clavie, Steve Mees, and their colleagues for the support and advice they have given the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland in its formative phase.' 

The Gambling Regulator was delighted to host Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan and Minister for State Niall Collins who formally opened our new Mount Street office.Both Ministers were joined by Department of Justice officials and Minister O'Callaghan spoke of the importance of the mandate given to the GRAI and the role of the Authority is delivering an effective regulator for the gambling sector with an emphasise on education and awareness, protecting those from gambling harm and delivering certainty for the industry.Minister O'Callaghan and Minister Collins unveiled a dedicated plaque marking the occasion and Chairperson Paul Quinn and CEO Anne Marie Caulfield also spoke and thanked the Minister and previous Ministers for their commitment in passing the Gambling Regulation Act and Establishing the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland.As part of the visit Minister O'Callaghan's visit, he joined the Authority for a meeting and met with staff working across the various functions again offering his support.Speaking at the event Chairperson, Mr Paul Quinn said:'On behalf of my colleagues, I would like to acknowledge the excellent groundwork that has been already laid by Anne Marie and her colleagues in both the Authority and in the Department of Justice over the last couple of years.  This hard work set us well on the road to success, albeit we know there will be the inevitable twists and turns in progressively introducing regulation.The Authority will bring robust and much-needed regulation to gambling in Ireland, giving certainty to Industry and building trust in the many consumers who enjoy sociable gambling, while also importantly protecting the most vulnerable in our society.It is essential that we build that public and industry trust by getting the three legs of the regulatory stool, licencing compliance and enforcement, to mutually reinforce each other in creating a robust frameworkThe societal impacts of problem gambling are very much at the core of the legislation and establishing this Authority. I am hopeful that our work will reduce the stigma and secrecy associated with problem gambling by building greater awareness of its extent as a public health issue, by conducting research to inform decisions of the Authority and Government Policy, and in providing greater supports to the public using the planned Social Impact Fund.I am clear that in the coming years our work will make an enormous difference to the lives of so many people affected by gambling addiction, not only those addicted themselves but also their families, friends and colleagues, and but also those who may be on the path to addiction and who, though our work, may stop getting to that point'CEO of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, Anne Marie Caulfield said:'It is fair to say that the introduction of the Gambling Regulation Act is one of the most important pieces of legislation enacted in recent years.  I want to thank you Minister and your officials in the Department of Justice for your support and we look forward to working alongside you and your officials into the future.It would be wrong of me not to also mention former Ministers James Browne and Helen McEntee, both of whom were incredibly supportive of the Authority and who championed the passage of the legislation.At every stage of the legislative process, the public health mandate was kept front and centre, and as an independent regulatory body, we will continue to keep public health at the centre of everything we do.This commitment is reflected in our mission to effectively regulate and educate in order to safeguard current and future generations from gambling harm.'Everyone at the Gambling Regulator would like to thank both Ministers and their officials for their visit and we look forward to working with the Minister and the Department of Justice now and into the future to deliver the important mandate given to us with consumer protection at the core of everything we do.