Andrew Rhodes Highlights Gibraltar’s Role in UK Gambling Oversight

_{The UK has a unique relationship with Gibraltar. (Image: blickwinkel/Alamy)}

This week, Andrew Rhodes, Chief Executive of the UK Gambling Commission, visited Gibraltar to meet with several UK-facing gambling operators headquartered there. The visit underlined the unique position Gibraltar holds as both a UK overseas territory and a hub for the betting and gaming industry.

A Strategic Outpost for the UK Gambling Sector

Gibraltar’s small size belies its importance. With many major gambling operators choosing the territory as their base, the jurisdiction allows the Commission to engage with multiple high-profile businesses in one location, something Rhodes described as “uniquely efficient.”

During the visit, Rhodes met with teams from Entain, Rank Interactive, BVGroup, BoyleSports, and Bally’s Interactive, holding wide-ranging discussions with both executives and operational staff.

Industry Challenges on the Agenda

Talks focused on some of the most pressing issues shaping the sector, including:
    •    Rising customer acquisition costs across increasingly competitive markets.
    •    The accelerating impact of AI technologies, from game design to responsible gambling tools.
    •    Fraud prevention strategies, in response to increasing levels of fraudulent activity.

These discussions reflect a shared recognition of the rapid pace of change and the need for regulation to adapt accordingly.

Dialogue with Gibraltar’s Regulators

Rhodes also held meetings with the HM Government of Gibraltar Gambling Division, focusing on the forthcoming Gambling Act 2025 and its implications for operators based in the territory.

For Gibraltar, which has long positioned itself as a trusted and well-regulated base for gambling firms, the Act represents both a challenge and an opportunity to ensure the jurisdiction remains aligned with UK regulatory expectations while supporting innovation and growth.

An Ongoing Relationship

The visit is part of the UK Gambling Commission’s ongoing commitment to understanding the evolving gambling landscape and ensuring regulation keeps pace with technological and commercial developments.

By engaging directly with operators and Gibraltar’s regulators, Rhodes reinforced the importance of maintaining close ties with outposts like Gibraltar,  jurisdictions that are integral to the UK’s gambling ecosystem and central to its future development.