GRAI Weighs Longer Licences to Reduce Administrative Burden

The consultation, part of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, ran from April to May 2025 and focused on several key issues like licence durations, application fees, and additional licence conditions.

One of the most prominent suggestions from the consultation was to move away from short, three-year licence terms and instead adopt longer durations, such as five years or more. Respondents pointed to international examples where longer licence terms have provided businesses with greater certainty and efficiency.

The Push for Tiered Fees Based on GGY

Another critical point raised during the consultation was the proposed model for calculating application fees. The original suggestion to base fees on operator turnover sparked a considerable amount of feedback, with many raising concerns that this model could be too burdensome for smaller businesses. Instead, many respondents advocated for a tiered fee structure based on Gross Gambling Yield.

Many argue this is a fairer way to determine fees based on the actual financial scale of an operator. Additionally, some respondents suggested that smaller operators could receive exemptions or reduced fees, which would help prevent them from being priced out of the market.

How the GRAI Plans to Move Forward

The GRAI has taken these recommendations seriously and plans to explore a GGY-based tiered fee system in more detail. Additionally, the Authority is considering extending the length of licences for operators that demonstrate a solid record of compliance and performance. This could help reduce administrative overhead, providing both regulators and operators with more stability in their working relationship.

There is also significant support for clearer guidelines regarding the renewal process, including how much it will cost and what documentation will be needed. Ensuring a transparent and streamlined renewal process will make it easier for operators to stay compliant without facing unnecessary delays.