Gibraltar's Gambling Tax Warning: What Feetham's UK Lobbying Means for Operators

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-10-27

Gibraltar's Trade and Industry Minister, Nigel Feetham, is not sitting quietly. With the UK Budget just around the corner on October 28, he's been actively lobbying across the political spectrum, warning that further gambling tax increases could hit operators based in Gibraltar—and by extension, the territory's jobs and tax revenues. ### Why This Matters Gibraltar is a small place with a big presence in the online gambling industry. Many well-known casino and sports betting brands operate from there, employing thousands of people and contributing significantly to the local economy. So when the UK government talks about raising taxes on gambling, it's not just a UK issue—it's a Gibraltar issue too. Feetham's message is clear: higher taxes could push operators to reconsider their presence in Gibraltar, which would ripple through the local workforce and public finances. It's a delicate balancing act for UK policymakers who want to boost revenue without unintentionally harming a key partner. ### The Political Push As part of his efforts, Feetham met with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, as well as Robert Jenrick and Andrew Rosindell MP. These meetings are part of a broader strategy to engage with politicians from all sides—because gambling tax policy isn't a partisan issue; it affects everyone. > "We need to ensure that any changes to the tax regime are made with a full understanding of the consequences for Gibraltar and the wider industry," Feetham reportedly said. Earlier in the week, he also held discussions with other officials, though details remain sparse. The goal is to keep the conversation alive and ensure Gibraltar's voice is heard in Westminster. ### What's at Stake for Operators For companies based in Gibraltar, the uncertainty is unsettling. They've built their businesses around a stable tax environment, and sudden changes could force them to rethink their operations. That could mean fewer jobs in Gibraltar and less tax revenue for the territory—a lose-lose scenario. - **Jobs:** Thousands of Gibraltar residents work in the online gambling sector, from customer support to software development. - **Tax Revenue:** The industry contributes a significant chunk to Gibraltar's public coffers, funding public services and infrastructure. - **Competitiveness:** Higher taxes could make Gibraltar less attractive compared to other jurisdictions, prompting operators to relocate. ### The Bigger Picture This isn't just about one budget. It's about the future of Gibraltar as a gambling hub. The UK's tax decisions send ripples across the industry, and other jurisdictions are watching closely. If Gibraltar loses its edge, it could take years to recover. Feetham's lobbying is a proactive move to prevent that. By engaging with UK politicians early, he hopes to avoid surprises and ensure that Gibraltar's interests are considered. Whether it will work is anyone's guess, but one thing is certain: the conversation is far from over. As the October 28 Budget approaches, all eyes will be on the UK government's next move. For now, Feetham and his team are doing everything they can to make sure Gibraltar isn't left out in the cold.