Gibraltar Online Gaming Licensing Procedures

Application for the online gambling license to the Licensing Authority of Gibraltar is presented in the form administered under the Gambling Ordinance 2005. The usual phase of the application process consists in preparing a synopsis of the proposal to establish a presence in Gibraltar. It should include:

1. general information on the company and its background
2. information on the nature of the business activity that you are going to start in Gibraltar
3. a list of reasons for choosing Gibraltar as the center of your online gambling services
4. benefits that Gibraltar economy will gain from your e-gambling business there
5. detailed information on the applicant’s company
6. a general conclusion with the reasons for applying for a licence.

The Licensing Authority is entitled to refuse an application in the following cases:

1. if the authority considers the refuse to be in a public interest;
2. if the applicant and, where applicable, a shareholder, director and an executive manager is a fit and proper person;
3. if the applicant is not satisfied with the character, honesty, integrity, business reputation and some other characteristics of the proposed operators.

Gibraltar online gambling licences are personal to their holders, which means they are not transferable.

An online gambling website except some strict requirements to satisfy, for example, has to contain on the home page at least one direct link to the website of an organization dedicated to supporting problem gamblers.

A licence holder is also required to systems in place enabling an online player to ask to be self excluded from gambling, warn people not to gamble beyond their means. It is desired for online gambling service providers with the licence to coordinate with the authorities all issues regarding managing problem gambling.

Fees and taxes for licence-holders

There are no start-up licensing fees, but an annual fee for maintaining the licence that is £2,000.

Up to 2011 the tax rate for betting exchange operations and fixed-odds made up 1% of turnover with the gaming tax capped at £425,000 per year. However, as of January 1st 2011, all operators licensed through the Gibraltar Regulatory Agency face a significant tax increase from 1% to 10%. The low tax rate previously was one of the key considerations for online gaming operators why to select Gibraltar as the jurisdiction of their licensing and regulating.

To learn more about online gambling regulation in Gibraltar, please contact the following local representatives:

Legal Law Practices in Gibraltar

1. Attias & Levy – Attorneys in Gibraltar, Gibraltar

Suite 5, 39 Irish Town
Gibraltar
Gibraltar

Tel: 35072150
Fax: 35074986

2. Charles A. Gomez & Co. – Attorneys in Gibraltar, Gibraltar

2 Hadfield House, Library Street
Gibraltar
Gibraltar

Tel: 3507499873316
Fax: 35073074

3. Cruz & Co. – Attorneys in Gibraltar, Gibraltar

Suite 2B International House
Bell Lane P.O. Box 883
Gibraltar
Gibraltar

Tel: 350 76552
Fax: 350 76553

4. Hassans – Attorneys in Gibraltar, Gibraltar

57/63 Line Wall Road
P.O. Box 199
Gibraltar
Gibraltar

Tel: (350) 79000
Fax: (350) 71966

5. Hodgson Bilton – Attorneys in Gibraltar, Gibraltar

Commercial Practice for International Corporations and Individuals
143 Main Street
Gibraltar
Gibraltar

Tel: +350 200 76498
Fax: +350 200 76487