Gibraltar Gambling Division
- Founded
- 2006-01-01 in Gibraltar
- Headquarters
- Suite 912, Europort, Gibraltar
The Gibraltar Gambling Division is the executive regulatory body responsible for licensing, supervising, and enforcing compliance within Gibraltar’s remote gambling sector. Operating under the Ministry of Justice, Trade and Industry, it draws its statutory authority from the Gibraltar Gambling Act 2005. The Division vets and issues remote gambling licences for both business-to-consumer and business-to-business operators, monitors conduct, ensures game integrity, combats money laundering, and protects consumer interests. It also advises the Licensing Authority and the Gambling Commissioner on policy matters. Gibraltar’s framework is widely regarded as a “gold standard” in global iGaming, attracting blue‑chip operators such as bet365, William Hill, and Entain. The Division manages the entire local gambling ecosystem, including remote casinos, sports betting, poker, bingo, and software suppliers. In 2025‑2026 it drove a modernisation effort culminating in a new Gambling Bill that introduces enhanced consumer protections, streamlined licensing, and a dedicated framework for prediction markets. The Division collaborates with international regulators and the Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association to maintain the territory’s reputation as a well‑regulated, business‑friendly hub.
Detailed Review
History and Establishment
The Gibraltar Gambling Division was created as the operational arm of the Gambling Act 2005, which came into force in 2006. It originally fell under the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA), but a later reorganisation merged the GRA’s staff into the Ministry of Finance’s Gambling Division, creating a single licensing and compliance authority. Today it is housed within the Ministry of Justice, Trade and Industry and led by the Gambling Commissioner & Executive Director. The Division’s pre‑licensing assessment requires applicants to demonstrate exceptional fitness and propriety, transparent corporate structures, and economic substance in Gibraltar.
Licensing Framework
The Division administers two main licensing categories: B2C (Business‑to‑Consumer) licences for operators offering remote casino, sports betting, poker, bingo, and other gambling services; and B2B (Business‑to‑Business) licences for software/platform suppliers, trading/risk management providers, and aggregators. Both licence types require rigorous due diligence, including background checks on beneficial owners, key personnel, and source‑of‑funds verification. The Division also oversees compliance with anti‑money laundering (AML) obligations, technical standards such as fair‑play certification, and social‑responsibility measures.
Recent Developments
In 2025‑2026 the Division played a central role in drafting and implementing the new Gambling Bill, which modernises Gibraltar’s regulatory architecture. A carve‑out for prediction markets allows dedicated licences for platforms like political event betting, distinct from traditional gambling. In response to the UK Government’s 2025 gambling tax increase, the Division revised its licensing fee structure to maintain Gibraltar’s competitiveness. The government also launched a recruitment process in June 2026 to appoint a new Gambling Commissioner & Executive Director, with the successful candidate expected to shadow the incumbent Andrew Lyman for a lengthy handover period.
Structure and Leadership
The Division is a small, specialised team located at Suite 912, Europort, Gibraltar. It reports directly to the Minister with responsibility for Gambling, currently Nigel Feetham KC MP, and works closely with the Gibraltar Finance Centre and the Gibraltar Development Corporation. Key leadership figures are Andrew Lyman (Gambling Commissioner and Executive Director) and Nigel Feetham (political head). No other C‑level executives (CFO, CTO, CCO, COO) are confirmed in publicly available sources.
Key Products
Remote Gambling Licence
Authorisation for online casinos, sports betting, poker, and bingo operators.
Non-Remote Gambling Licence
Licence for land-based bookmakers, casinos, arcades, and betting shops.
B2B Gambling Licence
New under the 2026 Act, for platform providers, managed-trading services, and virtual/simulated content suppliers.
Prediction-Market Licence
Specialised licence for event-based prediction platforms, introduced under the 2026 Act.
Consumer Advice Service
Public-facing guidance and complaints handling, including a self-exclusion scheme.
Remote Gambling Licence (B2C)
Primary authorisation for operators offering online casino, poker, bingo, sports betting, and other remote gambling services to consumers. Requires compliance with technical standards, AML obligations, and player protection rules.
Remote Gambling Licence (B2B)
Licence for software providers, platform operators, and other business‑to‑business suppliers delivering services to B2C licensees, ensuring integrity of the technology supply chain.
Non‑Remote Betting Licence
For land‑based betting shops and racecourse operators in Gibraltar, subject to premises and conduct requirements.
Non‑Remote Casino Licence
For physical casino establishments, issued under strict local regulations.
Prediction Market Licence
A new category introduced under the 2025 Gambling Bill, allowing operators to offer event‑based prediction markets outside traditional gambling definitions.
Licensing & Regulatory Guidance
Comprehensive guidance notes, codes of practice, and technical standards (e.g., RNG certification, data security) forming the operational rules for all licensees.
Gambling Commissioner Complaint Mechanism
Formal process for consumers and third parties to raise disputes with licensed operators, with the Commissioner providing adjudication and enforcement.
Online Register of Licensees
Publicly searchable database of all current Gibraltar gambling licences, including licensee names, licence types, and statuses.
Licence Issuance & Renewal
Vetting and issuing remote gambling licences for B2C and B2B operators, with rigorous due diligence and ongoing renewal processes.
Compliance Monitoring & Inspections
Ongoing supervision of licensed operators to ensure adherence to AML obligations, technical standards, and social‑responsibility measures.
Consumer Complaint Handling
The Gambling Commissioner addresses consumer disputes and complaints related to licensed gambling operators.
Policy & Legislative Advice
Advises the Minister and Parliament on regulatory policy, including drafting and implementing new gambling legislation.
International Regulatory Cooperation
Collaborates with regulators such as the UK Gambling Commission and Malta Gaming Authority to uphold Gibraltar’s reputation.
Key Persons
Nigel FeethamMinister for Financial Services and Gaming
Andrew LymanGambling Commissioner and Executive Director