Gibraltar Gambling Industry Under Pressure, Lyman Says

Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner Andrew Lyman has rejected claims that the jurisdiction’s gambling industry is coming to an end, despite recent layoffs and the impact of higher UK gambling taxes.

Lyman addressed job losses affecting gambling companies in Gibraltar and expressed his support for employees currently involved in redundancy consultations.

Several companies have announced potential job cuts this year. Lottoland, for example, has entered consultations with 270 local employees over possible redundancies, while bet365 faces the potential loss of 40 positions across Malta and Gibraltar as part of its planned cuts.

“Those that write off Gibraltar as a tier 1 gambling hub … are wrong. The Model is under pressure, but far from spent,” Lyman said.

While acknowledging that the number of redundancy notices could create a “cloud over the Rock,” Lyman stressed that falling employment levels should not be viewed as evidence that Gibraltar’s gambling industry itself is declining.

The sector is also facing pressure from changes to UK gambling taxes. Remote gaming duty increased from 21% to 40% of gross gaming revenue on 1 April 2026, while remote betting duty is scheduled to rise from 15% to 25% in 2027.

“Operators are sharpening their approach to costs, driving efficiencies in their business and increasing automation and implementation of AI,” Lyman said.

According to Lyman, Gibraltar continues to attract interest in gambling licences from established B2C and B2B businesses, as well as newer business models.

He also said changes to Gibraltar’s gaming legislation have created additional opportunities for consultation in the sector, while maintaining the jurisdiction’s position as a licensing centre.

Gibraltar is also seeking to develop services connected with prediction markets.

The jurisdiction continues to apply a gaming duty of £425,000 per year and a 15% corporate tax on profits. Lyman also pointed to Gibraltar’s wider regulatory environment, its treaty relationships with the EU and its residency regulations.

Further pressure is expected in 2027, when the UK’s online betting duty is due to increase to 25%.