Ireland’s Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Denmark’s Spillemyndigheden, creating a new framework for cooperation between the two European gambling regulators.
The agreement focuses on improving collaboration in key areas such as compliance, market monitoring, enforcement, and information sharing. Both regulators oversee operators active across multiple jurisdictions and believe closer coordination is increasingly important as gambling markets become more digital and international.
The MoU follows discussions between GRAI CEO Anne Marie Caulfield and Spillemyndigheden Director General Anders Dorph, during which the two authorities reviewed common regulatory challenges and opportunities to align approaches.
Caulfield described the agreement as an important step in building stronger relationships between regulators working in closely connected markets. She said continued cooperation with Denmark would help improve oversight and support Ireland’s wider strategy of developing partnerships with gambling authorities across Europe.
The deal comes during a major period of change for Ireland’s gambling sector. The GRAI has recently expanded its responsibilities under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, taking over oversight of the country’s modernised licensing framework. Ireland’s new remote betting licences came into effect on 1 July, marking the first phase of the regulator’s rollout.
Additional licensing stages are planned in the coming years, with in-person betting licences expected later in 2026. Applications covering gaming, lotteries, B2B activities and charitable gambling are scheduled to follow during 2027 and 2028.
The partnership also reflects broader European efforts to tackle shared challenges such as illegal gambling, consumer protection and responsible gambling measures. Denmark has been particularly active in enforcement, with Spillemyndigheden reporting increased action against unlicensed operators, including hundreds of blocked websites.
The Danish agreement adds to Ireland’s growing network of international regulatory partnerships, following previous cooperation agreements with authorities including the UK Gambling Commission and Belgium’s gambling regulator.