The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner, furthering its efforts to establish cooperative frameworks with fellow gambling regulators as Ireland prepares to open its regulated market.
Signed on June 25 in Dublin by GRAI CEO Anne Marie Caulfield and Gibraltar Commissioner Andrew Lynam, the agreement is intended to support joint oversight of gambling operators that are active in both jurisdictions. It outlines broad principles of cooperation and creates a foundation for ongoing collaboration between the two regulatory bodies.
Third MoU Ahead of Licensing Launch
This agreement is the third in a planned series of MoUs GRAI intends to finalize with international counterparts. As stated in the GRAI’s official release on grai.ie, the purpose of these memorandums is to create “information sharing agreements with other regulatory bodies” in advance of Ireland’s first phase of gambling licensing.
GRAI emphasized the value of the partnership with Gibraltar, describing the regulator’s involvement as especially helpful during the authority’s initial development phase. “The Gibraltarians have given their time generously in the set-up phase of the GRAI and their support and advice has been greatly received,” the statement noted.
Commitment to Cross-Border Supervision
The MoU sets out a clear framework to enable effective cooperation between the two jurisdictions, particularly where operators hold licenses in both regions. The deal allows the authorities “to more easily tackle illegal gambling, share best practices and follow the latest developments in the sector.”
In announcing the agreement, Anne Marie Caulfield underscored the importance of formal regulatory ties: “This Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Gibraltarian Gambling Commissioner Andrew Lynam, representing the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority is a significant step in formalising the working relationship between regulators in Ireland and Gibraltar.”
She added: “Given how many Gambling Operators are active in both jurisdictions this Memorandum of Understanding will be the first step in cementing what will be a positive and mutually beneficial working relationship between both organisations.”
The GRAI also expressed appreciation to Lynam and his team for their continuing support: “We would also like to take the opportunity to welcome Andrew Lynam, CEO of the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority to Dublin and to thank him, and his team, for their ongoing support and assistance to GRAI.”
Part of a Broader International Strategy
This partnership is in line with GRAI’s broader initiative to ensure coordinated supervision across borders, especially in a transnational industry where many operators function under multiple licenses. The authority continues to prioritize building relationships with other regulators to enhance its oversight capabilities.
The MoU with Gibraltar follows shortly after GRAI’s response to its first public consultation on the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, which addressed concerns about fairness and transparency raised by industry stakeholders. The regulator reaffirmed its commitment to building a safe and accountable gambling environment through well-regulated practices.
By laying the groundwork for cross-jurisdictional collaboration, the agreement with Gibraltar positions both regulators to better manage shared responsibilities and promote high standards of oversight. Further MoUs are expected as GRAI approaches the next stage of regulatory implementation.
Source:
GRAI signs Memorandum of Understanding with Gibraltar as part of its MOU series with fellow gambling regulators, grai.ie, 25 Jun 25.