GRAI Signs First EU Cooperation Deal with UKGC

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has formalized cooperation with the UK Gambling Commission through a Memorandum of Understandinging signed on 2 April 2025, establishing a framework for enhanced regulatory collaboration between the jurisdictions.

The agreement was signed during a visit by the UK Gambling Commission CEO to Dublin, hosted by GRAI on 3 April 2025. The MOU sets out broad principles of collaboration designed to strengthen both regulators' ability to discharge their respective duties and functions.

Framework for Enhanced Cooperation

The bilateral meeting covered key regulatory areas including compliance, monitoring and enforcement, alongside other matters relevant to both jurisdictions. The agreement enables closer working relationships and information sharing between the two authorities.

"This Memorandum of Understand with the UK Gambling Commission is an important step in formalising the working relationship between the two regulators and I would like to thank Andrew Rhodes, and a number of his colleagues across the various areas of the Commission for their advice and support over the past number of months."

— Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO, Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland

The cooperation framework addresses the reality that Ireland and the UK share many of the same operators and gambling practices, making regulatory coordination essential for effective oversight.

First of Planned EU Partnerships

This MOU represents the first of a series of cooperation agreements GRAI intends to establish with other gambling regulators across the EU in the coming months. The expansion signals Ireland's commitment to building a comprehensive network of regulatory partnerships.

"Open dialogue and close cooperation between both jurisdictions is paramount and I greatly look forward to continuing this close cooperation for the years to come."

— Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO, Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland

Building Cross-Border Enforcement Capacity

The Ireland-UK agreement establishes a precedent for how emerging EU gambling regulators can leverage established frameworks to enhance their oversight capabilities. With operators increasingly active across multiple jurisdictions, coordinated regulatory approaches become critical for effective compliance monitoring and enforcement actions.

The timing aligns with Ireland's broader regulatory development as GRAI continues building its operational capacity and enforcement framework.

According to GRAI.