The CEO of the new Irish gambling regulator has made it clear that engagement with operators will be a key aspect of regulation going forward, telling iGB “it is our intention to involve the industry.”

Anne-Marie Caulfield made the claim just three weeks after the GRAI was officially brought into being with the appointment of seven members of staff, confirming the creation of an industry advisory panel.

“It is our intention to involve the industry, making them aware of where we’re coming from and the measures that are to be introduced,” Caulfield told iGB.

However, the strong statement of intent may do little to assuage fears that the new regulator is ill-equipped to fully understand the country’s gambling sector, or indeed gambling in general.

“None of the seven new staffers assigned to the regulator have prior experience in gambling,” observed iGB. “They include a senior psychologist and clinical lead for addiction services, a former CEO for the nation’s government procurement office and a former media commissioner.”

Speaking to the journal in November, gambling lawyer Carlo Salizzo said “stakeholders I’ve spoken to are concerned that they are going to have to educate the regulator on how the industry works.”