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Gibraltar Gambling Licensing

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About Gibraltar

Gibraltar is a British territory located in the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula. This tiny state, a member of the European Union, consists of a huge rock and a sandy isthmus connecting it with the peninsula.

The population of Gibraltar is less than thirty thousand people, yet this does not prevent it from being one of the largest online gambling centers and offshore business hubs.

Casino Licensing in Gibraltar

Casino licenses have been issued in Gibraltar since 1998, but the process became international only in 2005 with the adoption of the Act on gambling in the United Kingdom. The Decree strictly regulates gambling activity, clearly defining the terms and conditions for obtaining licenses.

The Department of Licensing and Control of Activities issues such documents as licenses from the Gaming Commission. There are certain types of permits for various types of gambling, such as:

  • casinos,
  • bookmakers,
  • slot halls,
  • lotteries, and so on.

Visit the official GRA website for more information on each license. 

The Main Types of Gambling Licenses in Gibraltar

Gibraltar primarily issues two broad categories of gambling licenses:

  1. Business-to-Consumer (B2C),
  2. Business-to-Business (B2B) licenses.

B2C licenses permit operators to offer gambling services directly to players, encompassing online casinos, sports betting, and lotteries. B2B licenses, on the other hand, are for companies that provide support services to other gambling businesses, such as software development, payment processing, or platform management, without directly interacting with end-users.

Within these categories, specific licenses exist for remote gambling (online) and non-remote gambling (land-based) activities.

The Key Requirements for Obtaining a Gibraltar Gambling lLicense

Applicants for a Gibraltar gambling license must meet several rigorous requirements to demonstrate their suitability. This typically includes establishing a local company with a physical office and local directors in Gibraltar, proving a strong financial standing and the ability to cover all player winnings and operational costs, and having a proven track record or significant experience in the gambling industry.

A detailed business plan outlining proposed operations, financial projections, and compliance measures is also essential.

Furthermore, operators must adhere to strict anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) policies, as well as robust technical standards to ensure the security and fairness of their products and services.

Products must be tested and certified by approved independent test houses.

The Best Gibraltar Licensed Online Casinos

Several dozen online gaming websites operate under a Gibraltar license today. Some of these online casinos are among the top ten casinos according to Casinoz. 


P.S. Read more about licensing internet casinos in Gibraltar. Follow the link to see the detailed review of the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority.

Frequently asked Questions

🎲 What is a Gibraltar gambling license?

A Gibraltar gambling license is an official authorization issued by the Gibraltar Licensing Authority, under the supervision of the Gambling Commissioner, allowing companies to conduct various gambling operations from within the jurisdiction. These licenses are highly regarded globally due to Gibraltar's stringent regulatory framework, which emphasizes fair play, player protection, and the prevention of criminal activities like money laundering. Gibraltar has established itself as a reputable and desirable jurisdiction for both established gambling operators and well-funded startups.

❔ How long does it take to obtain a Gibraltar gambling license?

The timeframe for obtaining a Gibraltar gambling license generally varies, but applicants can typically expect the process to take anywhere from two to six months. The duration is heavily influenced by the completeness and quality of the application and all supporting documentation. Engaging in a pre-licensing stage with the Gibraltar Gambling Division and the Gambling Commissioner can help streamline the process by allowing for initial assessments and advice on suitability before a formal application is submitted.

💲 What are the tax implications for gambling operators in Gibraltar?

Gibraltar offers an attractive tax regime for gambling operators. The corporate income tax rate is currently set at 12.5%. For B2C gambling companies, a gambling duty of 0.15% is levied on their gross gaming yield or gross betting yield, with a minimum annual payment of £85,000 and a maximum cap of £425,000. Importantly, gambling services in Gibraltar are exempt from Value Added Tax (VAT). B2B operators are generally exempt from this specific gambling duty, though they pay a license fee. This favorable tax environment is a significant draw for many international gambling companies.

💪 What are the benefits of holding a Gibraltar gambling license?

A Gibraltar gambling license offers numerous advantages that contribute to its high reputation. It provides access to a reputable and well-regulated jurisdiction, enhancing the credibility and trustworthiness of the operator on a global scale. The robust regulatory framework ensures consumer protection and promotes responsible gambling, fostering a secure environment for players. Furthermore, Gibraltar's strategic location and strong business infrastructure, coupled with its attractive tax regime that includes a low corporate tax rate and VAT exemption on gambling services, make it a cost-effective and desirable base for international operations. The license is also valid for five years, providing a degree of stability compared to jurisdictions with more frequent renewal requirements.

Denis Anipchenko
Denis Anipchenko
Editor-in-chief and online gambling expert

Denis is a true professional with many years of experience in the gambling industry. His career started back in the late nineties when he worked as a croupier, pit boss, manager and casino manager. This unique experience allowed him to deeply understand the world of gambling from the inside. Since the late noughties Denis has dedicated himself to writing articles and analyses about gambling, and since the early tens he has become a key figure in the Casinoz team. Here he not only writes and edits content, but also creates reviews, shares his expertise and helps readers understand the intricacies of gambling. Denis combines practical experience and in-depth knowledge, making him one of the most respected experts in the industry. His writings are always up-to-date, proven and useful information for anyone interested in the casino world.

An expert in:
  • casino operations
  • management
  • gambling analytics
  • RTP
  • volatility
  • regulation
  • trends
  • reviews
  • editorial
  • expertise
Facts checked Alex Vasilev Scientific editor and fact checker
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