Gibraltar Passes Landmark Gambling Bill to Modernise Framework and Expand Global Reach

Gibraltar has formally approved sweeping new gambling legislation designed to modernise its regulatory regime and reinforce its standing within an increasingly competitive international market.

The newly passed Gambling Bill replaces an older, though historically effective, framework with a more adaptable structure intended to reflect the rapid evolution of the global gaming sector.

The reform has been positioned as a strategic move to future-proof Gibraltar’s gambling industry while reducing its reliance on the United Kingdom, which currently contributes approximately 75% of the jurisdiction’s gross gaming revenues. Nigel Feetham, Minister for Justice, Trade & Industry, emphasised the importance of the overhaul, stating that the changes are essential as Gibraltar looks to diversify its economic base beyond its traditional UK market dependence.

The legislative shift comes amid increasing pressure on operators, particularly due to higher online gaming duties imposed in the UK. In response, Gibraltar is actively seeking to open new revenue channels and attract a broader pool of international operators. Feetham confirmed that licence applications are expected in the near future, following active engagement with prospective investors at major industry gatherings such as ICE Barcelona and Consensus Hong Kong.

A key component of the new law is the transition from a strictly location-based regulatory model to one centred on where the substantive management and control of gambling operations actually occur. This change reflects the increasingly global and digital nature of the industry. Additionally, the framework significantly broadens regulatory oversight to include a wider portion of the gambling supply chain, particularly areas such as marketing and customer relationship management, which have experienced rapid growth but have not always been comprehensively regulated.

The legislation also introduces a clear set of core regulatory objectives. These include ensuring trust and confidence in gambling markets, enhancing consumer protection measures, preventing financial crime, and safeguarding Gibraltar’s economic interests and international reputation.

Further strengthening the regulatory environment, the bill expands the powers of the Gambling Commissioner and introduces a more extensive set of enforcement tools. This marks a shift away from the previous system, which largely relied on licence suspension or revocation as primary enforcement mechanisms.

In addition, a newly established Gambling Appeals Tribunal will provide an independent mechanism for reviewing regulatory decisions.

Designed with flexibility in mind, the new framework allows Gibraltar to respond more swiftly to technological innovation and evolving business models. Regulators will have the authority to bring emerging products within scope or exclude certain activities where necessary, ensuring the system remains relevant in a fast-changing environment.

Alongside the Gambling Bill, Parliament also passed complementary legislation recognising certain digital assets, including crypto-tokens, as personal property under Gibraltar law. This move aligns with a broader strategic initiative to develop the jurisdiction’s digital economy and position it as a forward-looking financial and technological hub.

Collectively, these reforms represent a significant milestone in Gibraltar’s efforts to modernise its gambling sector, reduce dependence on the UK market, and establish a foundation for sustainable and controlled international expansion.

By fLEXI tEAM