'Constructive, Not Combative’: Caulfield Talks Gambling Reform

_{Concerns raised over Ireland's proposed €20k remote gambling license fee; GRAI's Anne Marie Caulfield hints at changes to support smaller and low-margin operators. (Image: Courtesy by GRAI)}

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland has reiterated its commitment to creating “a well-regulated, transparent, and socially responsible environment” after the conclusion of a public consultation into its coming new-look licensing framework.

The GRAI was inaugurated in March following the ratification of the Gambling Regulation Act of 2024 and is set to police the nation’s budding online and land-based gambling sectors. The body subsequently launched a four-week consultation in which it asked a range of interested parties and stakeholders for their opinions on its soon-to-be-enacted licensing rules.

Positive Public Health Posture

The GRAI declared 27 entities responded to this exercise in advance of a May 5 deadline to express views that were “either supportive or pragmatic” although several went further to offer “constructive suggestions for enhancement”. The regulator’s Chief Executive Officer, Anne Marie Caulfield, revealed such counsel had primarily concerned the duration, conditions and fees attached to the upcoming licensing regime.

"The GRAI is committed to establishing a well-regulated, transparent, and socially responsible environment in Ireland with consumer protection at the core of our work,” Caulfield exclusively told Casinos.com. 

“At its core, the Gambling Regulation Act of 2024 is a public health measure to safeguard the public from the dangers of gambling harm.”

Tariff Tumult

Regarding the tax structure of the upcoming licensing regime, the GRAI explained several respondents expressed dismay at the planned utilization of a turnover-based system due to concerns this could harm low-margin entities offering more specialized betting services. The regulator responded by asserting it could potentially consider inaugurating a tiered model based on gross gambling yield or a hybrid arrangement linking such revenues with associated gross profit.

“This consultation is part of our licensing regulations process and the GRAI was pleased to hear from so many operators, which will feed into our process,” Caulfield said.

“Ultimately, we believe this engagement driven approach is the correct one and will greatly help the process to ensure a thriving Irish market with safeguards in place to protect those experiencing gambling harms. It is hoped that a high level of stakeholder engagement will promote a full understanding of our legislative remit and the obligations for licensees.”

Startup Stipulations

The GRAI disclosed concerns had also been raised its suggested baseline €20,000 ($23,000) fee for a three-year remote gambling licence could represent a “major” rise when compared to the nation’s current system. The watchdog revealed fears had moreover been expressed its planned €1,200 ($1,370) charge for each comparable land-based authorization would disproportionately impact smaller operators.

GRAI said it could consider the implementation of scale-based premises fees potentially based on factors such as the number of machines on site.

With regards to online casino operations, the regulator asserted its planned approach could not be compared with the system utilized by the United Kingdom’s Gambling Commission “given the differences in regulatory structure and responsibilities”.

“Many of the regulatory obligations that will be part of the GRAI’s responsibilities are not part of the Gambling Commission’s remit in Great Britain and, instead, are part of the functions of the local councils,” Caulfield said. 

“Market size variations, differences in taxation policies and sectors that are regulated by regulators in other jurisdictions also mean that the cross-jurisdiction comparisons are not comparing like-for-like.”

License Length

Finally, the GRAI divulged it would investigate the possibility of offering five-year online gambling licenses to those who had demonstrated a history of compliance. It clarified such an alteration could lessen its administrative burden and help to bring Ireland into line with other European jurisdictions such as Germany and France.

“Obligations laid down in the Gambling Regulation Act of 2024 apply to licensees so the GRAI is currently preparing for the opening of license applications later this year as part of a phased approach being cognizant of existing license expiry dates and transitional arrangements,” Caulfield said.