The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has officially finalized a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, a primary step in the authority’s mission to build a robust network of international regulatory partnerships.
A Framework for Collaborative Oversight
Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO of GRAI, welcomed Alderney’s Executive Director Andrew Gellatly to Dublin to formalize the agreement. The MoU establishes a comprehensive framework for cooperation across all facets of gambling regulation, focusing on transparency and consistency.
The timing of the partnership is critical, as GRAI prepares to begin issuing gambling licenses this summer. By aligning with established regulators, Ireland aims to ensure its new licensing phase is supported by world-class standards and proven oversight methods.
Caulfield highlighted the technical and ethical synergy between the two jurisdictions:
“The working relationship between Ireland and the Channel Islands is one that shares a common foundation of proportionate, innovative and professional regulation… today’s signing signifies our commitment to working side by side with the Alderney Gambling Control Commission to protect the public.”
Supporting Public Health and Consumer Protection
A primary focus of the MoU is the fulfillment of GRAI’s public health mandate. The authority intends to leverage Alderney’s long-standing expertise to enhance protections for vulnerable populations and young people.
Caulfield noted the importance of this peer-to-peer support:
“As the GRAI begins to issue licenses this coming summer, we look to counterpart regulators like the Alderney Gambling Control Commission to provide guidance and support, and we are grateful to Andrew and his team for their ongoing assistance.”
Expanding the European Regulatory Network
This agreement marks the latest in a series of strategic moves by GRAI. It follows a similar MoU signed last April with the UK Gambling Commission, which focused on compliance and enforcement coordination. Given that Ireland and the UK share many of the same operators, these cross-border agreements are essential for effective information sharing and the discharge of regulatory duties in a high-velocity digital market.
