Gibraltar Licensing Authority (GLA)

Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory located on the Iberian Peninsula south of Spain, covers an area of just 26 square miles. With its favorable low taxes and zero VAT, it has become an appealing destination for online gambling companies. Online gambling plays a significant role in Gibraltar’s economy, alongside tourism and financial services.

The Gibraltar Licensing Authority (GLA) works closely with the Gambling Commissioner under the Ministry of Finance, following the regulations set forth by the Gibraltar Gambling Act of 2005.

Quality Over Quantity

The GLA is known for being a more stringent regulator, often only granting licenses to established companies with a solid history in the gambling industry. The authority states that it “traditionally only considers blue-chip companies” that have a reputable record in other jurisdictions. However, the GLA does not strictly adhere to this policy and is open to considering start-ups, provided they have sufficient funding and meet all necessary requirements.

Note As of now, only 46 companies, including online casinos and game providers, hold a license from Gibraltar. The GLA deliberately keeps the list small to uphold high standards and maintain a competitive market.

The GLA’s mission is to offer well-regulated, secure, and transparent gambling facilities while prioritizing player protection and social responsibility.

The authority provides extensive guidelines for operators regarding advertising, payment of winnings, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) measures, and Responsible Gambling policies, among others. Companies seeking a license must submit a clear business plan, demonstrate effective policies, and ensure transparency about their funding sources. They must also present their plans for contributing to Gibraltar’s economy.

As one of the regulator’s main goals is preventing criminal activities within the gambling sector, applicants with a criminal background or affiliations will not be considered. Additionally, remote gambling operators and their products must undergo testing and certification by approved independent test houses to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Complaints

Players wishing to file a complaint about an operator should follow the Gambling Commissioner’s guidance for complainants. Generally, complaints should first be directed to the operator, as they are required to have a process for addressing disputes. Exceptions may apply for complaints involving gross misconduct, dishonesty, or corruption by the operator’s management.

To file a complaint, players can download the Complaint Resolution Request Form from the GLA website. This form should be completed with as much relevant information as possible and submitted via email to gccomplaints@gibraltar.gov.gi. The form can be completed electronically, but the last page must be printed and physically signed before submission.

Note If the operator holds licenses from both Gibraltar and the UK, and the complaint involves remote gambling that took place in the UK, the complaint should be handled according to UK regulations.

How to Verify a License

As mentioned, the number of licensed operators in Gibraltar is relatively small. You can find a list of these operators, with links to the brands they are authorized to operate, on the GLA website’s main page.

Self-Exclusion

According to the GLA’s codes of practice, all licensed operators must offer procedures that allow players to self-exclude and set limits on deposits and gambling time. However, it is not possible to self-exclude from all Gibraltar-licensed operators at once.

Contact Information Gibraltar Licensing Authority (GLA)

Gibraltar Licensing Authority
Address: Gambling Division, H.M. Government of Gibraltar, Europort, Suite 812 & 813, GX11 1AA, Gibraltar
Tel: +350 20064142
Email: gamblinglicensing@gibraltar.gov.gi
Website: Gibraltar Licensing Authority