Gibraltar opens applications for new Gambling Commissioner
Gibraltar’s Ministry of Justice, Trade, and Industry has recently created a job listing for the position of Gambling Commissioner and Executive Director of the Gambling Division.
In the listing, it states that whoever takes on the position will be expected to “provide strategic leadership and overall responsibility for the effective management and operation of the Gambling Division”.
Gibraltar on the lookout for a new Gambling Commissioner
The position, based in Europort, Gibraltar, is listed as requiring a minimum of five years’ experience in a senior executive, regulatory, or strategic role within the gambling or remote gaming sector. Furthermore, the Ministry of Justice stated that potential applicants must have “a strong understanding of operational, regulatory, and commercial dynamics”.
Going over additional key responsibilities and expectations for the position, the Ministry stated that applicants should possess a recognised tax qualification or significant demonstrable expertise in gaming taxation and fiscal policy.
It said that this would enable the Commissioner to understand the implications of domestic and international tax developments on Gibraltar’s competitiveness and regulatory framework.
Notably, among the requirements and expectations for potential applicants, the Ministry indicated that it is looking for individuals with lobbying and public affairs experience specific to the United Kingdom.
The listing indicates that the Ministry is seeking applicants with demonstrable experience engaging with, or advocating before, HM Treasury, UK Government departments, regulators, or parliamentary stakeholders, “particularly in relation to gambling taxation, regulatory reform, or market access”.
In addition to having a solid understanding of and a background in the UK’s regulatory setup, the Ministry also indicated that those interested in the position should have international market expertise.
In the job listing, it says that applicants should have a “strong understanding of international gaming markets beyond the United Kingdom, including regulatory frameworks, licensing environments, and commercial opportunities”.
It said that having this understanding of international markets would serve to support Gibraltar’s policy objective of broadening the sector’s international reach and resilience.
Rounding out its list of expectations for those interested in taking up the position, the listing indicates that applicants should be capable of constructively engaging with government representatives, as well as industry and international counterparts, “in support of Gibraltar’s long-term economic and regulatory interests while maintaining regulatory independence and integrity”.
The listing did not make mention of salary or remuneration figures, simply stating that “the post attracts a competitive salary, commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience, qualifications, and the responsibilities of the role”.
Commissioner timeline and recent gambling law changes in Gibraltar
The Ministry stated that whoever is chosen for the position would take up the appointment for a fixed term of two years, with the option to renew. The deadline for applications is 14 July, with first- and second-round interviews expected to take place throughout September.
Gibraltar recently enacted its new gambling law, which entered a transitional period on 1 April, replacing legislation that had been in place since 2005.
Andrew Lyman, who currently still holds the position of Gambling Commissioner and Executive Director at the time of writing, has described the new Gibraltar Gambling Act as “just the first step in what is a roadmap to reform the regulatory substructure”.
Writing on LinkedIn about the changes introduced with the law, he remarked that “Gibraltar has a vibrant multi-faceted gambling sector that will remain a major part of the economy,” though he added that a combination of factors, including the challenges which may result from the UK’s tax hike on online gaming, “will start to drive structural change and likely industry consolidation”.
As of yet, Lyman has not made any public statements regarding the Ministry’s listing seeking a new Gambling Commissioner.
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