Compliance Updates
Ireland’s New Gambling Regulator to Begin Work on Phased Basis Next Year
Ireland’s new gambling regulator is likely to begin overseeing betting businesses in the Republic midway through next year, industry figures predict.
President Micheal D Higgins recently signed the new Gambling Regulation Act, which overhauls licensing and creates a new authority to govern betting firms, into law. Industry figures forecast that the new regime should begin operating midway through next year, a key point for many businesses as they will have to renew online betting licences by that time.
Government also has to pass several milestones before the new Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland can start functioning, including appointing the seven people the body requires.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee appointed senior civil servant Anne Marie Caulfield as chief executive designate of the authority in summer 2022. Her office has 11 staff. According to the Department of Justice, the State’s Public Appointments Service will shortly begin recruiting the authority’s seven members.
The Minister will appoint the candidates the service recommends.
The department could not say when the authority would start regulating but noted this would happen in a phased “timely manner” after its establishment.
Jack Chambers, Minister for Finance, earmarked €9.1 million for the authority next year in this month’s budget. That includes €4 million for technology.
Ms Caulfield wrote to industry organisations last week confirming that her organisation would begin its work on a “phased basis” but pointing out that it has already completed many preparations. In a statement she said that the authority was committed to keeping the industry fully informed so businesses can “plan for the new regulatory regime”.
Meanwhile, the Public Service Appointments Service last week advertised for someone to head the authority’s social fund. Under the new law’s provisions, betting businesses will contribute to this fund which the authority will use to tackle problem gambling.
Betting businesses regard the fund’s establishment as one of the key steps towards establishing the new regime.
Alongside that, they say that the authority will also have to set up its new licensing system. The law demands that all gambling businesses operating in the Republic be licensed and makes it a criminal offence to operate without a proper permit.
Lawyers at Arthur Cox recently noted that current permits are preserved until licensing sections of the act come into force. Existing high street and online bookies’ licences will have a run-off period, but lawyers said that how this would work in practice depended on how the regulator developed the new system.
Betting businesses are keen that the authority works on a national self-exclusion register for customers who voluntarily ask bookmakers not to take their bets. Currently, most individual bookies have systems where customers who fear they have a problem, or are at risk, can exclude themselves in this way.
The post Ireland’s New Gambling Regulator to Begin Work on Phased Basis Next Year appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Australia
Regulating the Game Announces its Latest Addition to its 2025 Masterclass Series in Sydney
The organisers of the Regulating the Game conference have announced the latest addition to its 2025 Masterclass Series in Sydney: “Beyond Compliance – Safer Gambling Training and Building a Culture of Customer Care,” presented by the renowned Jay Robinson, chief stakeholder relations officer at Focal Research Consultants.
With over 20 years of global experience in developing and delivering impactful training programs across jurisdictions—from pubs and clubs to casinos and online operators—Jay is a leading voice in creating safer gambling environments that transcend compliance. Jay’s approach focuses on building a culture of customer care that prioritises player protection and staff well-being while enhancing the overall gambling experience.
Why attend this masterclass?
Great training is more than ticking a compliance box—it is the foundation of cultural transformation and customer care. This masterclass will delve into:
How industry leaders, regulators, and frontline staff can embed a culture of safer gambling.
The critical role leadership plays in sustaining training initiatives.
Strategies to extend the reach and effectiveness of safer gambling programs, improving customer experiences, reducing staff burnout, and driving long-term benefits for operators and stakeholders alike.
“Effective gambling staff training must meet the real needs of both staff and customers, ensuring that safer gambling practices become second nature. This masterclass is about empowering organisations to go beyond compliance, fostering a culture of care and leadership that makes a lasting impact,” said Jay Robinson.
Who should attend?
This masterclass is essential for operational leaders, C-suite executives, regulators, and anyone committed to advancing safer gambling initiatives. Participants will leave with actionable insights and tools to lead cultural change, elevate training outcomes, and strengthen their organisation’s reputation.
Regulating the Game: A leading global event
The Regulating the Game conference has established itself as a flagship event, bridging the gap between regulators, industry professionals, and stakeholders. Now entering its fifth year, the conference continues to attract world-class speakers and attendees, driving innovation and inspiring meaningful discussions on policy, regulation, and sector challenges.
The post Regulating the Game Announces its Latest Addition to its 2025 Masterclass Series in Sydney appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
Advertising Standards Authority Partners with Grambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has partnered with the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), the new statutory body that, once established, will be responsible for the licensing and regulation of gambling services in Ireland, to streamline the process for complaints around advertising for gambling.
GRAI will now advise consumers they can direct complaints around gambling advertising to the Advertising Standards Authority.
Under the new partnership, ASA and GRAI will work collaboratively on triaging complaints around marketing communications for gambling in Ireland. In this regard, the GRAI will in future deal with complaints regarding entities who hold a licence with the organisation, whilst the Advertising Standards Authority will handle other complaints.
This strategic partnership follows the recent collaboration between ASA and the Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO) to streamline the complaints process for advertising in cinemas and cinema-related promotions across other media outlets.
Additionally, ASA has signed a Cooperation Agreement with Coimisiún na Meán, the statutory body responsible for online safety and media regulation, to establish a cooperative framework on shared interests in advertising and commercial marketing communications. These initiatives further solidify the organisation’s leadership in the Irish advertising sector, fostering confidence and trust in advertising standards.
The partnership between ASA and the GRAI reinforces the commitment of both organisations to ensuring that gambling advertising content adheres to the high standards of the Advertising Standards Authority Code.
“We are delighted to partner with GRAI, a new organisation that will help to safeguard the public from problem gambling, particularly protecting children from accessing places or services where gambling activities are offered. The aim of the Advertising Standards Authority is to ensure that advertisements are legal, decent, honest and truthful for consumers. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to protecting consumers, and, by joining forces, we will remain dedicated to ensuring that the public can easily access information on responsible gambling advertising,” said Orla Twomey, Chief Executive of Advertising Standards Authority.
“The GRAI, once established, will protect the public by promoting a gambling sector that operates transparently and in accordance with the laws of Ireland, particularly the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. This Act contains a number of restrictions on licences in relation to advertising, social media and more. It will also create awareness of problem gambling and establish safeguards to address it. By working with the Advertising Standards Authority, as the GRAI’s powers are commenced, we will aim to address any concerns raised by the public about advertising in and surrounding gambling promptly and effectively, in line with the Advertising Standard Authority’s code. Our partnership reiterates our commitment to safeguard the public, and to ensure they are informed and protected by upholding the highest standards of marketing communications,” said Anne-Marie Caulfield, CEO Designate, GRAI.
The post Advertising Standards Authority Partners with Grambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
Florida Gaming Control Commission Collaborates with Local Law Enforcement Partners to Address Illegal Gambling Activity and Shut Down Illegal Casinos
Last week, the Florida Gaming Control Commission reaffirmed its dedication to the safety and wellness of Florida communities by continuing efforts to address illegal gambling activity. In collaboration with local law enforcement partners in Brevard and Volusia counties, FGCC agents assisted with shutting down five illegal casinos as well as seizing illegal gambling machines from two business establishments.
“The cooperative relationships developed between the Florida Gaming Control Commission and our partner law enforcement agencies are essential to fulfill our mission, and these efforts are making an impact. Through innovative strategies, enhanced resources, and collaboration, these partnerships reflect our dedication to fostering trust and accountability while effectively addressing public safety concerns related to illicit gambling locations,” said Ross Marshman, Acting Executive Director of the Florida Gaming Control Commission.
On Tuesday, FGCC agents assisted the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office as they executed search warrants for five illegal casinos throughout the county. More than 500 illegal gambling machines, related equipment, and more than $845,000 was seized. A 2022 Chevy Silverado, which was actively being used to transport cash from the illegal casinos, was also seized. Criminal arrests are pending.
On Thursday, FGCC agents and the Port Orange Police Department addressed community concerns received by both agencies about two independently owned businesses. More than $6000 and 19 illegal slot and gaming machines were seized. Three arrests were made for charges of Operating illegal Gambling Establishments and Illegal Possession of Slot Machines and Gaming Devices. The two establishments included:
•Stop & Go Convenience Store, 5687 S. Ridgewood Ave, Port Orange
•Mark and Jill’s Village Tavern, 5263 S. Nova Rd, Port Orange
Citizen reports are important to share concerns about illegal gambling activities or facilities in Florida.
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