Ireland’s gambling regulator to establish industry consultant panel

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is set to establish an industry advisory panel to ensure that the voices of key stakeholders are integrated into the regulatory framework it develops, according to insights shared in a recent interview with iGB.

Formed under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, GRAI was established last year to oversee the comprehensive regulatory framework for gambling in Ireland. Its responsibilities include the issuance of licenses for all forms of gambling activities within the country, with the exception of national lottery operations.

As of March 5, 2023, GRAI is officially operational, following the appointment of seven new staff members. However, GRAI CEO Anne-Marie Caulfield has been leading the organization since 2022, playing an instrumental role in its establishment and operational setup.

In discussions with iGB, Caulfield expressed the authority’s commitment to forming an industry panel comprising experienced consultants from the gambling sector. This initiative aims to foster collaboration and transparency regarding the standards and regulatory measures to be enforced.

“Our goal is to engage directly with the industry, ensuring they are informed about our ambitions and the legislative measures that will be introduced,” Caulfield emphasized.

As GRAI rolls out new standards, it plans to facilitate both public and industry consultations to gather feedback and assess the impact of its regulations, with input expected to shape the landscape in the coming years.

The authority has already initiated conversations with numerous prominent betting companies as well as smaller operators over the past two years. Furthermore, GRAI aims to establish multiple stakeholder panels, including a “lived experience panel” designed to highlight perspectives from individuals who have experienced gambling-related harm.

Concerns Regarding Industry Experience

Despite the promising initiatives, there are prevailing concerns within the gambling industry regarding the lack of sector-specific experience among the newly appointed GRAI staff. None of the seven members possess extensive backgrounds in gambling; their expertise includes roles such as a senior psychologist specializing in addiction services, a former CEO of the government procurement office, and a past media commissioner.

Local gambling attorney Carlo Salizzo previously remarked to iGB that many industry stakeholders are apprehensive, believing the regulator may require substantial enlightenment on appropriate rules and measures pertinent to the gambling sector.

“Conversations with stakeholders indicate there is a genuine concern about the regulator needing education on industry operations, particularly in gaming,” Salizzo noted. “Other segments might leverage more contemporary regulatory practices, but there is still a steep learning curve that the GRAI will face.”

Zero Tolerance for Lobbying

In the context of new legislation, the tendency for stakeholders to lobby policymakers is commonplace. Such was the case during the passage of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, where significant lobbying efforts were reported. Irish Minister of State at the Department of Justice, James Browne, acknowledged experiencing “extraordinary” levels of lobbying as the bill progressed.

In response to potential lobbying efforts, Caulfield clarified that GRAI would maintain a strict no-lobbying policy: “We will not engage in lobbying from the sector.”

She further explained, “Ireland has implemented a lobbying register. Should companies approach us, I am one of the designated officials under that legislation. They are legally required to notify us of their intentions if they seek changes.”

The Regulation of Lobbying Act, enacted in 2015, establishes the legal framework governing lobbying activities within the country’s democratic processes. Under this act, any interaction with government officials or designated public officials by lobby groups must be documented and submitted for state registration, clearly outlining the purpose and backing of such lobbying efforts. Noncompliance results in legal sanctions and penalties.

“From our perspective, the legislative framework is now in place, and we intend to enforce it robustly and effectively,” Caulfield affirmed.