Ireland’s gambling regulator to establish industry panel, maintain hard stance on lobbying

Ireland’s newly formed Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) plans to establish an industry panel to ensure gambling operators’ perspectives are considered as regulations take shape, while also reaffirming its commitment to a strict anti-lobbying stance.  

The regulator, which came into effect on March 5, 2025, was created under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 and is responsible for overseeing licensing and regulatory standards for all gambling activities in Ireland, excluding the national lottery.  

GRAI CEO Anne-Marie Caulfield said the industry panel will serve as a platform for operators to engage with regulators.  

“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 in an interview with iGB.  

Public and industry consultations will be a key part of the rollout of new gambling standards over the coming years, she added.  

Beyond the industry panel, the regulator will form a “lived experience panel”, which will provide insights from individuals who have experienced gambling-related harm.  

Given the broad scope of GRAI’s regulatory responsibilities, Caulfield said multiple stakeholder panels will be created to help inform decision-making.  

Some in the gambling industry have expressed concerns over the regulator’s lack of sector-specific expertise.  

None of the seven new GRAI staff members have prior gambling industry experience, with their backgrounds including a senior psychologist and clinical addiction expert, a former CEO of Ireland’s government procurement office, and a former media commissioner.

Irish gambling lawyer Carlo Salizzo told iGB that some stakeholders worry they will need to educate the regulator on how the industry functions, particularly in gaming.  

The GRAI has made it clear that lobbying from the gambling industry will not be entertained, in line with Ireland’s Regulation of Lobbying Act (2015).  

Under this law, any industry attempt to influence policy must be registered with the state or risk penalties.  

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

Irish Minister of State for Justice, James Browne, who played a key role in passing the Gambling Regulation Act, had previously acknowledged facing “extraordinary” levels of lobbying from industry stakeholders.