The all-new Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has officially opened its first public consultation. It is seeking opinions on the proposed licensing regulations.
The independent watchdog is responsible for licensing bookmakers and casinos, as well as addressing addiction. This follows the board’s establishment by the Minister for Justice in early March.
It is also responsible for ensuring gambling companies in Ireland have the relevant licenses. Additionally, it makes sure they follow the new laws.
The public consultation process began on April 7. With the first set of planned regulations laid out, it will run until May 5.
This includes setting the application fee for both in-person and remote betting, as well as in-person and remote gaming licenses. This is provided for in section 38 of the 2024 Act.
The second set of regulations will establish the duration for which a gambling license remains valid. This is provided for under section 108 of the 2024 Act.
And set out some additional conditions which will apply to gambling licenses. This is provided for under section 129 of the 2024 Act.
The watchdog hopes to hear stakeholders’ views before finalizing these regulations. These include operators and the public.
With submissions to be limited to a maximum of 1,000 words, a live consultation page has been created. Some of the feedback may be published.
The GRAI has stated on its website that it will make further regulations in the future. Where appropriate, it will hold consultations on these regulations at that time. This is the first set of proposals.
Minister O’Callaghan described it as marking a new era when the regulator was first established.
In a press release, he stated that establishing the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland is a step toward replacing outdated gambling laws. The new framework will streamline and simplify licensing, reflect modern gambling, and address the harms of problem gambling. It will also include safeguards to protect people, especially children, from these harms.
