Gibraltar pushes to stop operators’ exodus

After Brexit, several companies have moved to Malta and pushed the government to take political action to prevent further relocations.

Gibraltar.- The British population voted in favour of Brexit and triggered a massive exodus of iGaming companies from Gibraltar to Malta. However, the local government has decided to take action and is trying to assure companies they can operate just like they did until now, as the UK has yet to exit the European Union.

Brexit came along with iGaming companies’ exit as well, but the authorities are especially concerned after the announcement by giants Bet365 and 888, which intend to relocate most of their operations to Malta.

Nonetheless, the governments from Spain and Gibraltar made a political agreement to keep bilateral relations the same in case the UK and the EU reach the terms on the exit and transition period. The deal is aimed at bringing more certainty to over 14k employees that commute between Spain and the British territory to work in the local gaming companies.

Even as Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said that “common sense has prevailed” and a disorderly Brexit is unlikely, companies are still looking to migrate. That’s why the government is looking to keep operating conditions as they have been so far, but that hasn’t stopped operators from preparing their Plan B in case things end up going sideways.