The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) and the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that creates a formal arrangement for cooperation between the two gambling regulators.
The agreement marks the first time GRAI has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a gambling regulator in the United States. It also stands as the first official cooperation agreement between gambling authorities in Ireland and the U.S., giving both organizations a framework to exchange regulatory knowledge and practical experience.
Ireland Looks to Expand Regulatory Cooperation
The partnership comes as Ireland continues to roll out its updated gambling regulatory system, including the recent launch of licensing for online and remote betting operators. Both regulators said the rise of online gambling and cross-border services has increased the need for closer cooperation between jurisdictions.
Nevada brings decades of regulatory experience to the arrangement. Gambling has been legal in the state since 1931, and the NGCB oversees one of the world’s longest-running gambling regulatory systems. The board also remains involved in enforcement matters, including its legal dispute with prediction market operator Kalshi.
GRAI, which was created to oversee Ireland’s unified gambling market after years of fragmented legislation, is still in the early stages of building its regulatory framework. The agreement will allow the authority to draw on Nevada’s experience as it expands oversight of remote gambling services.
Shared Focus on Consumer Protection
Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO of the GRAI, welcomed the agreement and said it would support the authority as it develops its operations.
“The knowledge and expertise that the Nevada Gaming Control Board have in terms of gambling regulation are very valuable to us in the GRAI.
“We very much welcome the insight, guidance, and experience that the NGCB can provide to the GRAI as a newly established regulator, and I look forward to our continued partnership with the shared goal of consumer protection and public health and safety at the heart of operations.”
NGCB Chairman Mike Dreitzer also commented on the partnership, saying: “We are pleased to sign an MOU with the GRAI and look forward to sharing best practices with them and advancing our collaboration.”
Cooperation Covers More Than Licensing
The agreement is expected to support the exchange of information on regulatory approaches, market developments and legal issues affecting both jurisdictions. Industry observers have noted that sharing regulatory experience can strengthen oversight, improve responsible gambling efforts and help regulators learn from each other’s work.
The partnership also comes as regulators address issues linked to artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, betting integrity, online gambling and data privacy. At the same time, exchanging information across borders requires compliance with privacy rules, while different regulatory priorities and the pace of technological change remain ongoing challenges.
The announcement follows GRAI’s launch of remote betting licences and a gambling awareness campaign aimed at highlighting warning signs among younger people. Representatives from both regulators had previously met during ICE 2026 in Barcelona.
Betfred Suspends Irish Services During Licensing Transition
Ireland’s updated gambling framework has already prompted changes among betting operators preparing for the new licensing system. Betfred confirmed it will temporarily suspend its Irish operations at the end of June, shortly before the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) begins regulating remote betting operators under its new licensing regime on 1 July.
The company informed customers that access to their accounts would end on 30 June and advised them to withdraw any remaining balances before the suspension takes effect. It also encouraged customers to avoid placing wagers scheduled to settle after 29 June.
Betfred said the pause is intended to give the company time to meet the requirements of Ireland’s new gambling regulations and indicated that it plans to resume services once that process is complete.
Although the suspension is described as temporary, the operator has not announced a return date. It also said customers with outstanding bets, including long-term sports wagers, will receive further guidance on how those bets will be handled.
Source:
GRAI and Nevada NGCB Sign Landmark Regulatory MoU, realmoneyaction.com, July 28, 2026.
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