GRAI Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Belgian Gaming Commission

_{Ireland’s Anne Marie Caulfield (right) and Belgium’s Magali Clavie formalise EU cooperation on gambling regulation at the GREF Conference in Athens. (Image: GRAI.ie)}

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), led by CEO Anne Marie Caulfield, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Belgian Gaming Commission, represented by Magali Clavie.  

The agreement signals a step forward in cross-border collaboration as regulators continue to oversee evolving sectors, including the growing landscape of online casinos and regulated casino destinations across Europe.

It follows the signing of an MoU with the UK regulator, the Gambling Commission, on April 2 this year.

Purpose of Agreement

This agreement aims to formalise cooperation and information sharing between the two regulators. 

The main purposes and objectives are to establish a framework for collaboration and enhance the ability of both organisations to fulfil their duties. It is hoped that the agreement will facilitate closer working relationships whereby both parties can share expertise and advice to support regulatory functions. 

Significant Step Towards Broader Cooperation  

The significance of the agreement is that this is the second MoU for GRAI with other EU gambling regulators. It is a step towards broader cooperation across the EU and supports the development of effective regulatory practices.

Anne Marie Caulfield emphasised the importance of the MoU in formalising Irish-Belgian regulatory ties and thanked Belgian colleagues for their support during the GRAI’s formative phase. 

Caulfield said, “This Memorandum of Understanding with the Belgian Gaming Commission is a significant step in formalising the working relationship between Irish and Belgian gambling regulators. 

"I would like to thank Magali Clavie, Steve Mees, and their colleagues for the support and advice they have given the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland in its formative phase.” 

Key Areas Targeted for Promotion of Safer Gambling 

Both regulators aim to improve strategic collaboration to promote a safe gambling environment, focusing on key areas of cooperation, including information exchange, creation of working groups on best practices and conducting joint discussions and strategic planning.

The MoU was signed during the annual Gambling Regulators European Forum (GREF) conference in Athens, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in gambling regulation.