Gibraltar now a concern for online operators on Brexit

Gibraltar is now becoming a concern for online operators based on the tiny British outpost following Spain’s renewed request for it to returned to them and not part of the UK once Brexit is completed.

The issue was brought up by 888 Holdings the online gaming operator who holds a license there in their annual report. The company sees Brexit as a potential risk for them given that the situation with Gibraltar is now a hot topic between the UK and Spain. Should Gibraltar remain part of the UK following Brexit it could end up not being able to supply services to the EU and also have its 32,000 strong employees who work in the online gambling sector and many commute each day from Spain to Gibraltar being blocked.

888 said in its annual report that, “The proposed status of Gibraltar in relation to the United Kingdom as a result of ‘Brexit’ is at present unclear.”

“If 888 were to remain registered, licensed and operating in Gibraltar in these circumstances, its ability to rely on EU freedom of services/establishment principles in supplying its services within the EU will be limited.”

There are some 30 international online operators who are licensed in Gibraltar currently and now see the issue as a major concern going forward, it is quite possible that many will make a decision prior to any negotiations and the potential winner in this could very well be Malta.