Gibraltar gambling bill advances regulatory overhaul

"The legislation redraws how gambling is licensed, monitored and enforced in Gibraltar. It is designed "to repeal the Gambling Act 2005 and to make new provision for the licensing, regulation and supervision of gambling." The new structure puts a licensing Authority and a Gambling Commissioner at the center of oversight, backed by defined goals such as protecting consumers, maintaining market integrity and tackling financial crime."

"The scope of regulation is also set to widen as well. The rules would extend beyond operators to include marketing affiliates, software providers and certain ownership arrangements connected to gambling businesses. Another notable change is how licensing applies across borders. Companies could fall under Gibraltar's rules even if gambling activity happens elsewhere, as long as key management or operational control sits within the jurisdiction."

"The bill also tightens expectations around economic substance. Businesses will be required to show a "sufficient substantive presence" in Gibraltar, including real staffing, infrastructure and tax contributions."

Gibraltar has introduced legislation to overhaul its gambling regulatory framework, replacing the 2005 Gambling Act with a comprehensive modern system. The new bill establishes a licensing Authority and Gambling Commissioner to oversee the industry with objectives including consumer protection, market integrity, and financial crime prevention. Regulatory scope expands to cover operators, marketing affiliates, software providers, and ownership arrangements. Companies face jurisdiction under Gibraltar's rules even if gambling activity occurs elsewhere, provided key management or operational control is based in Gibraltar. The legislation requires businesses to demonstrate sufficient substantive presence through staffing, infrastructure, and tax contributions. The bill progresses through parliamentary stages including second reading, committee review, and final vote before requiring Crown assent.

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