Calls to fill the roles of the newly-established Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) have been put out by the Minister of State for the Department of Justice, James Browne. 

GRAI, also known as Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann in Gaelic, is currently looking for a Chairperson and six ‘ordinary members’ to kick off the statutory body’s licensing and regulatory duties in Ireland. 

Some of the primary objectives will include the regulation of advertising, gambling websites and apps, and the supervision of online and in-person gambling with the goal of improving public safety and wellbeing. 

The process of establishing the new regulatory body is part of the Gambling Bill of Ireland (GRB),Ireland’s attempt to modernise its gambling framework which dates back to 1931. It was recently signed into law by President Michael D. Higgins 

Drafted by Browne himself, the GRB first saw the light of day when it was approved by Ireland’s coalition government in November 2022. A centre reform in the bill, GRAI’s new licensing model will ensure that gambling continues to take social responsibility as a key priority.

One important detail is that charities and sports clubs will not be treated the same as commercial gambling operators under the new licensing regime. 

Further commenting on GRAI’s search for a seven-person authority, Browne said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to lead Údarás Rialála Cearrbhachais na hÉireann’s strategic direction and setting a robust regulatory and licensing regime for the gambling sector.

“The establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland is an important development in ensuring a well-regulated gambling sector while protecting the public from gambling harms.

“Once established, it will have significant enforcement powers to enable it to take appropriate and focused action where providers are failing to comply with the provisions of the Authority’s licensing terms, conditions and regulations.”

GRAI will remain open for applications until November 15.

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