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Rules and licensingGibraltar gambling chief defends regional status despite staff cuts
Andrew Lyman insists Gibraltar remains a leading gambling hub despite recent job losses across major betting firms.
Written by the BettingEdgeHub desk, 22 September 2026
Major betting companies are cutting staff numbers to manage rising costs and stricter rules. Bet365 and other big names are streamlining their operations in Gibraltar. These changes follow tax hikes and tighter controls in the British market.
Pressure from strict rules
Andrew Lyman argues that heavy regulation pushes punters toward illegal sites. He believes that excessive taxes force operators to slash budgets and reduce their workforce. This creates a difficult cycle for businesses trying to operate legally.
Stability of the region
Lyman maintains that Gibraltar remains a premier location for gambling firms. Official data shows consistent interest from businesses seeking local licenses. He rejects the idea that the regional industry is facing a terminal decline.
Market consolidation continues
The industry is currently going through a period of necessary change. Operators are merging teams and closing locations to survive tougher economic conditions. The commissioner believes the sector will prove its usual resilience over time.
A future for operators
Confidence remains high despite the current wave of redundancies. Future months will reveal if the betting market can recover from these financial pressures. Gibraltar continues to attract interest from both business to business and business to consumer companies.
Punters should expect a more consolidated industry with fewer big brands as operators focus on efficiency to offset regulatory costs.