Gibraltar has always held a special place in the global online gambling industry. This small British Overseas Territory became one of the first hubs to offer transparent rules, low taxes, and stable regulation. Major international brands established their base here, and for many years the jurisdiction was synonymous with reliability.
But times are changing. After Brexit, Gibraltar lost the ability to operate directly in EU markets, and its value became even more tied to access to the United Kingdom. To preserve its prestige and strengthen its position, the authorities initiated a large-scale legislative reform. The new Gambling Act 2025 replaces the outdated 2005 law and opens a new chapter in the jurisdiction’s history.
Why the reform matters
For Gibraltar, this is not just a cosmetic update of the rules. The 2025 Act is a strategic response to three major challenges:
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Rising global competition. Malta, the Isle of Man, and offshore hubs are actively competing for operators’ attention by offering flexible conditions. Gibraltar is betting on strictness and prestige.
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New transparency standards. Removal from the European Commission’s “high-risk jurisdictions” list obliges Gibraltar to prove compliance with the best international practices.
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Expectations of players and investors. Today’s market demands more trust and safety than ever before.
That is why the new law not only updates the licensing system but also shifts the regulatory approach: from a “convenient offshore” to a center with the highest standards.
Six fundamental changes
1. Genuine economic presence
Companies will no longer be able to rely on “virtual registration” alone. To obtain a license, an operator must demonstrate real operations in Gibraltar: an office, employees, and tax payments. This increases the license’s value and protects the jurisdiction from the “mailbox” image.
2. New license categories
The market is becoming more segmented:
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B2C — operators working directly with players.
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B2B — providers of software, platforms, and casino solutions.
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Support services — marketing, CRM, hosting, risk management, creative agencies.
Each category now requires a separate license, making the system more transparent and eliminating grey areas.
3. Personal liability of top managers
Senior executives must undergo an approval process and obtain their own license. For the first time, individual responsibility for strategic decisions is formalized, reducing risks for both players and investors.
4. Strict control over marketing
Regulation now applies to all marketing activities conducted within or from Gibraltar. This affects both large branches of international companies and independent agencies. For businesses, it means adhering to higher standards of transparency.
5. Expanded regulator powers
The Gambling Commissioner can now impose administrative fines, suspend operations of violators, and conduct unannounced inspections. Stronger supervision reduces risks for players and strengthens market trust.
6. Appeals tribunal
A new independent body has been created to appeal regulator decisions. This increases fairness and gives businesses confidence: even in case of conflict, companies can count on a transparent procedure to defend their interests.
Impact on different market participants
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Online casino operators. They will have to revise corporate structures and license separate business units. For multinational groups, this may mean filing multiple applications.
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B2B providers and service companies. Software studios, CRM providers, and marketing agencies now fall directly under regulation. This raises the entry threshold but also builds greater trust from partners.
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Key managers. Personal accountability makes executives the “guarantors of transparency” in business operations.
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Regulator. With new powers, it must act not only strictly but also predictably, balancing business interests and player protection.
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Players. Strengthened standards of fairness and responsible gaming directly enhance their protection.
Challenges and risks
The reform also brings new risks:
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Rising costs. Licensing, reporting, and local hiring increase expenses, especially for smaller operators.
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Talent shortage. Gibraltar has a limited labor market, and businesses will have to compete for specialists. However, the anticipated free movement agreement with Spain may ease the problem.
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Regulatory uncertainties. Lawyers highlight blurred lines between B2B and B2C, as well as ambiguity in licensing marketing and auxiliary functions.
Economic significance and competitive positioning
Today, Gibraltar’s iGaming sector:
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accounts for 20% of GDP,
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includes 83 licensed companies,
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employs more than 3,200 people,
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contributes over £150 million annually in taxes and social contributions.
In competing with Malta, the Isle of Man, and offshore jurisdictions, Gibraltar builds its strategy on three pillars:
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Transparency and strict control. This is not a jurisdiction for grey schemes.
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License prestige. Operating from Gibraltar signals a high level of trust to investors and players.
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The UK market. Access to Europe’s largest iGaming market remains the key advantage.
What it means for entrepreneurs
For those planning to launch an online casino or an international iGaming project, the 2025 Act sends important signals:
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High entry threshold. A Gibraltar license requires effort, investment, and serious preparation.
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Long-term stability. In return, businesses gain trust, reputation, and access to a leading market.
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Brand investment. Holding a Gibraltar license becomes a competitive advantage in negotiations with partners and players.
In essence, Gibraltar is now chosen not for simplicity but for confidence in the future.
Conclusion
The 2025 Act makes Gibraltar one of the most serious and prestigious iGaming jurisdictions in the world. Yes, the entry cost has risen, but so has the level of trust in businesses operating from here.
For entrepreneurs, this is an opportunity to present themselves as companies ready to play by high standards, build long-term strategies, and attract the most demanding clients.
