Gibraltar Regulator Rejects 'Terminal Decline' Claims
Gibraltar's Gambling Commissioner, Andrew Lyman, has rejected claims that the territory's gambling sector is in "terminal decline," pushing back against critics in a LinkedIn post published as several licensed operators run redundancy consultations tied to the UK's tax increases.
"Those that write off Gibraltar as a tier 1 gambling hub (and some of the doomsayers are within the jurisdiction) are wrong," Lyman wrote. "The Model is under pressure, but far from spent."
Redundancies Tied To UK Tax Hike
Several operators with Gibraltar operations have announced cuts this year. Lottoland has consulted 270 Gibraltar employees on redundancies, a move the company has linked mainly to a lost legal case in Germany, while leading betting site Bet365 has put 40 roles across Malta and Gibraltar at risk as part of 340 cuts across its business.
The pressure stems largely from the UK, where Remote Gaming Duty rose from 21% to 40% of gross profits on April 1, 2026, with remote betting duty due to rise from 15% to 25% in 2027.
Gibraltar is especially exposed: online gaming accounts for around 30% of the territory's GDP and directly employs more than 3,400 people in a population of about 34,000, and Gibraltar-licensed operators generate roughly a third of total UK gambling tax receipts.
Automation, AI And New Licensing Lines
Lyman said the UK tax environment is only one factor behind the cuts, with operators also "sharpening their approach to costs, driving efficiencies in their business and increasing automation and implementation of AI."
He added that "the level of disruption and consolidation is not over," suggesting further restructuring is likely.
The commissioner pointed to continued licensing interest across B2C, B2B and "derivative models" as evidence the sector remains vibrant, citing Gibraltar's new Prediction Market Regulations 2026, enacted July 14, 2026 under the Gambling Act 2025.
Two operators, ADI Predictstreet and WagerWire, received approvals under the framework ahead of it taking effect, in March and June 2026 respectively.
